Would a gas main send those flaming metallic arcs of fire across the sky like in the pic?
Natural gas tanks might.
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It is very difficult to get an explosion from inside a natural gas storage tank. To ignite, it has to be mixed with air down to 5~15% concentration.
Massive fires happens, but for an explosion, it normally comes from a leak into a container (house) that first contained air.
When exposed to excess temperature, pressure, or mechanical shock, pure or less than pure acetylene gas can undergo a violent, explosive decomposition reaction. Additionally, if this reaction, or an ignition of acetylene occurs within the torch base or supply hose, it can propagate back into the storage cylinder causing it to explode violently. (snip) Acetylene has a very wide range of flammability. The lower flammable limit (LFL) is typically listed as 2.5% and the upper flammable limit (UFL) is listed as 81%. Although acetylene will not undergo combustion at concentrations above the UFL, it can undergo an explosive decomposition reaction, even at concentrations of 100%.
One cylinder goes, damages others, and you can have a real mess.