Kirkland v. Peoples Gas Co.

Ness, Justice:

This is a personal injury action in which the jury returned a verdict in favor of the respondent, Peoples Gas Company of South Carolina. We affirm.

Appellant Kirkland, minister of the First Baptist Church in Sumter, was injured as a result of a natural gas explosion on the church premises. Upon entering the church office building, he detected an offensive odor. Intending to dispel the smell by lighting an incense candle, appellant struck a match on the wall of his office resulting in an explosion and severe personal injuries. Apparently, the situs of the gas leak was concentrated…