Propane leak closes gas station and restaurant in Raleigh County

GHENT, WV (WNVS) — A local gas station and restaurant had a gas scare Monday morning.

At around 5:30 AM on Monday, May 6, 2024, James Dawson, manager of the Ghent Par Mar Store came into work and smelled propane.

He said he assumed one of the tanks from outside the store was leaking.

“I got here this morning and the whole store smelled like propane. I thought it was one of the tanks over here,” said Dawson. “So, I didn’t pay any attention, just went on and was doing my job. I rung up a few customers and they didn’t say nothing, so I just assumed it was outside.”

James Belcher, Safety Officer with the Ghent Volunteer Fire Department confirmed it was a minor leak.

“I got on the scene and investigated, the gas company also came out and investigated. Right now, everything looks safe, but they’re still gonna keep the store closed and the restaurant closed for a while until further notice,” said Belcher.

Belcher said the gas to both buildings was shut off.

He said a larger amount of gas was detected behind the grills and flat tops inside Farmer’s Kountry Kitchen, but that it wasn’t a worrying level.

The gas company is still searching for where the leak is in order to repair it.

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