In a wealthy enclave of Texas, the Consolidated School has illegally tapped into a 'wet' natural gas line to save the cost of heating. When contractors maintaining the school puncture the gas line, odorless gas fills the building, and a spark sets off an explosion that kills 455 people. Local hospitals run out of bandages, undertakers can't meet the demand for coffins and the community is forever changed. Legislation is passed that introduces mercaptan into natural gas, giving it the telltale odor we recognize today.