CAPTION: The approximate location of the gas leak from the downtown natural gas explosion lies on Ave E. The explosion took place on Saturday, Feb. 22. CREDIT NTSB
By Emmie Boese
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a preliminary report regarding the natural gas explosion at Ave E and Main on Feb. 22.
According to the report, ONE Gas Inc. provided natural gas to the service area through a distribution system that included a 10-inch steel natural gas main along Ave E.
After the explosion, ONE Gas excavated, exposing about 120 feet of pipe. The excavation helped to expose the area for leak locations on the pipe along the gas main. During the excavation, a leak was found at a girth weld. ONE Gas then created and executed a plan to isolate the leaking segment of the pipeline. The segment was isolated at 8:50 p.m.
While on scene, NTSB conducted an examination of the accident pipeline and collected physical evidence. NTSB also conducted interviews at the scene and sent the evidence to their materials laboratory in Washington D.C. for evaluation and testing.
The investigation is still ongoing. The explosion destroyed Steffen Auto Parts. Damage from the explosion is estimated at $875,000. No injuries or deaths were reported.
Parties that contributed to the investigation include the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, the Office of the Kansas State Fire Marshal, the City of Hutchinson, the Hutchinson Fire Department, the Hutchinson Police Department, Hutchinson/Reno County Emergency Communications and ONE Gas Inc.
