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.

Crews have initiated a defensive operation using unmanned fire streams. All city resources from Hutchinson Fire and Buhler Fire, District 3, and South Hutch were deployed. The State Regional Hazmat team from Sedgwick County will be on-site to perform remote unmanned monitoring for gas.

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