WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Emergency crews blocked off Murdock Street near Ascension Via Christi St. Francis Hospital Thursday. Sedgwick County dispatchers say a construction crew hit a natural gas line near Murdock.
Since about noon, one block of Murdock, from Mead Avenue to Washington, has been closed while gas company workers try to fix the leak. By 1:40 p.m., the Wichita Fire Department said the closed area extends west to Santa Fe. The road was eventually reopened.
A WFD spokesperson said the construction crew hit a one-inch gas line in front of Superior Service Company. He said the company has been evacuated.
Black Hills Energy said its crew is responding to the gas line break. It said the lead is only affecting one customer. A Black Hills Energy spokesperson said the cause of the break is under investigation.
He offered these safety tips:
- Be alert for leaking natural gas. If you smell natural gas, leave the building or area immediately
and tell others to leave too. - After you’re safely away from the area, call 911and our emergency number at 800-694-8989.
- Never assume someone else has reported a natural gas leak. Alert your neighbors.
- Do not turn on lights, ignite a flame, use a cell phone or use anything that might cause a spark,
including a flashlight or a generator. - Never attempt to repair a natural gas leak, and do not attempt to turn natural gas valves on or off.