Investigators find cause of Garden City house explosion

Laura McMillan
·2 min read

GARDEN CITY, Kan. (KSNW) — A house explosion that injured a person in Garden City Saturday evening was caused by a natural gas leak, according to investigators.

The State Fire Marshal and the Garden City Fire Department say the leak was ignited when the victim turned on the stove. They say the issue was isolated to the gas line inside the home. Black Hills Energy says it cooperated with the investigation.

“Testing performed by Black Hills Energy following the incident confirmed that there were no natural gas leaks on Black Hills Energy’s gas distribution system outside the home. We received no calls about gas odors in the area of the city before or after the incident,” the company said.

The explosion happened just after 7 p.m. Saturday in the 800 block of West Fair Street.

Garden City firefighters were met with significant damage and a large debris field surrounding the home. Nearby, Gertrude Walker Elementary School has minor damage. There is no update on the victim’s condition.

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Families affected by the explosion are recommended to call the Red Cross at 1-800-
RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Black Hills Energy says natural gas has an outstanding safety record, but knowing what to do if you smell natural gas is important. Natural gas is odorized so that people can smell a leak. Many describe it as smelling like rotten eggs. If your nose picks up this scent, take the following steps:

  • Immediately leave the home or building where the smell is detected. Alert others to also vacate the premises. 

  • Do not open or close windows before you leave.

  • Do not turn light switches on or off.

  • DO NOT smoke or use electronics, including mobile phones, garage door openers or alarm systems.

  • Never start an engine or drive a vehicle where the odor is present.

  • Find a safe distance away — approximately 300 feet or more — until you can no longer smell the gas odor.

  • Once you reach a safe distance, call 911 and Black Hills Energy at 800-890-5554.

  • DO NOT attempt to fix or adjust gas lines or related equipment.

  • If you don’t own the property or residence, notify the property owner or manager.

  • Stay away from the area until you are informed by Black Hills Energy employees or emergency responders that it is safe to return.

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