A significant natural gas leak led to a devastating explosion and fire at Steffens Auto Parts in Hutchinson, Kansas, on Saturday morning, resulting in extensive property damage and mandatory evacuations in the downtown area.
Incident Overview
At approximately 9:26 a.m. on Saturday, emergency responders were dispatched to Steffens Auto Parts, located at 428 S. Main Street, following reports of a strong natural gas odor.
Upon arrival, Hutchinson Fire Department crews observed gas bubbling from the ground at the intersection of Avenue E and Main Street. Shortly thereafter, an explosion occurred, leading to a massive fire that engulfed the auto parts store.
Fortunately, six firefighters and two civilians inside the building evacuated safely before the explosion, and no injuries have been reported.
Evacuation Measures and Response
In response to the explosion, authorities established an evacuation zone encompassing Main Street from D Avenue to G Avenue, extending one block east and west of Main Street on E Avenue.
This precaution affected 18 businesses and one residence, all of which experienced disruptions in gas service. A warming shelter was promptly set up at The Salvation Army, located at 700 North Walnut, to accommodate displaced individuals.
The fire was fueled by a 10-inch high-pressure gas line, causing it to burn throughout the day. Firefighters adopted a defensive strategy, utilizing unmanned water streams to control the blaze while allowing the gas to burn off safely. The roof of Steffens Auto Parts collapsed, rendering the building a total loss.
Collaborative Efforts and Ongoing Monitoring
The incident prompted a coordinated response from multiple agencies, including:
- Hutchinson Fire Department
- Kansas Highway Patrol
- Reno County Sheriff’s Office
- Reno County Emergency Management
- Hutchinson Public Works
- Hutchinson Water Utilities
- Hutchinson Police Department
- South Hutchinson Fire Department
- Buhler Fire Department
- District 3 Fire Department
- South Hutchinson Police Department
- Evergy
- Kansas Gas Service
- AT&T
- Sedgwick County Hazardous Materials Team
These agencies collaborated to monitor gas levels, ensure public safety, and manage the evacuation process. Kansas Gas Service crews are expected to remain on-site for several days to continue monitoring the area for residual gas.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date and Time | Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 9:26 a.m. |
| Location | Steffens Auto Parts, 428 S. Main Street, Hutchinson, Kansas |
| Cause | Natural gas leak leading to explosion and fire |
| Evacuation Zone | Main Street from D Avenue to G Avenue; one block east and west of Main Street on E Avenue |
| Affected Parties | 18 businesses and one residence without gas service |
| Injuries Reported | None |
| Responding Agencies | Multiple local and state agencies, including fire departments, law enforcement, and utility companies |
The natural gas leak and subsequent explosion at Steffens Auto Parts in Hutchinson serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with gas infrastructure.
The swift and coordinated response by multiple agencies ensured that, despite the destruction of property, no lives were lost or injuries sustained.
As monitoring continues, the community remains vigilant, emphasizing the importance of adhering to safety protocols and promptly reporting gas odors to prevent future incidents.