Following the gas explosion at Main and Avenue E in Hutchinson, Kansas Gas Service has restored natural gas to remaining businesses. A team is available for one-on-one support for affected residents.

Hutchinson officials evacuated several blocks near and around downtown after a gas leak caused an explosion Saturday at a longtime auto parts store, according to fire chief Steven Beer. Firefighters were called at 9:26 a.m. about a gas odor at Steffens Auto Parts, 428 S. Main. It’s an odorized gas, Beer said.

“Because this product came from a pipeline, it was odorized gas, it had been through and had the odor added through distribution,” said Tony Tracy with the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office. “In ’01, it was bulk storage, and that had no odor.”

City of Hutchinson leaders and Evergy give an update on the situation in Hutchinson after the gas explosion that happened on Saturday.

Hutchinson officials evacuated several blocks near and around downtown after a gas leak caused an explosion Saturday at a longtime auto parts store, according to fire chief Steven Beer. Firefighters were called at 9:26 a.m. about a gas odor at Steffens Auto Parts, 428 S. Main. It’s an odorized gas, Beer said.