Patrick
A major gas pipeline leak in Leavenworth County, Kansas, on Thursday, Nov. 27, resulted in widespread safety concerns, home evacuations, and temporary closure of key roadways. The leak also caused several vehicles to stall as gas levels increased in the area.
Where the Leak Occurred
Pipeline Located Near K-16 Highway
The Jefferson County Emergency Management & LEPC confirmed that the incident involved a pipeline operated by Enterprise Products Partners L.P. The leak occurred near K-16 Highway, roughly 1.5 miles east of McLouth, Kansas.
Authorities reported a sudden pressure drop in the 8-inch pipeline, leaving multiple drivers stranded on surrounding rural roads.
Drivers Report Strange Odors and Vehicle Stalls
First Signs: A ‘Sweet, Thick, Chemical’ Smell
Motorists traveling through the area began experiencing unusual vehicle behavior. One of them, Kristi Bowser, said her truck suddenly malfunctioned.
“My truck began acting weird. When we rolled down the window, we could tell it was some type of gas, and then the truck stalled,” she said.
Bowser described the gas odor as sweet, thick, and chemical-like.
Initial 911 Calls and Evacuations
Strong Gas Odor Prompts Emergency Response
The first reports came in shortly after 7 p.m., when residents in both Leavenworth and Jefferson counties called 911 to report an overwhelming gas smell.
Emergency teams detected a heavy concentration of gas, signaling a large-scale leak. This led officials to order evacuations of nearby homes for public safety.
Highway Closures
Officials closed K-16 Highway from the east side of McLouth to the intersection with Donahoo Road due to dangerous gas levels.
Roads Reopened, But Homes Still Restricted
Friday Morning Updates
By early Friday, county officials confirmed that all roadways had reopened, but nearby residences remained off-limits because propane gas was still present.
Vehicle owners were specifically warned not to restart stalled vehicles, as engine sparks could ignite the remaining gas, causing fires or explosions.
Controlled Flare to Remove Gas Safely
Twenty-Foot Flame to Burn Off Gas
Enterprise began a controlled flare operation at their facility on Union Road, south of McLouth. According to emergency officials:
“The flare will release a burning gas flame reaching at least twenty feet high. This is a safe procedure to clear the gas from the pipeline.”
The burn-off process may take two to three days, followed by pipeline repairs.
Repair Timeline
Authorities estimate that repairing the pipeline may require two to three weeks, depending on the extent of the damage.
Support for Evacuated Residents
Red Cross Assistance
The American Red Cross is providing shelter and food to displaced residents. Officials noted that homeowners may be able to return after 3 p.m. on Friday, provided emergency teams declare the area safe.
However, as of 4 p.m. Friday, there were no confirmed updates on whether residents could go back to their homes.
The gas leak in Leavenworth County caused significant disruptions, from stalled vehicles to mandatory home evacuations and temporary road closures.
While emergency crews have reopened highways and launched a controlled flare to eliminate remaining gas, local residents must wait for safety clearance before returning.
Repair efforts are underway, but the full restoration of the pipeline could take several weeks. Authorities continue to monitor conditions closely to ensure community safety.