7:30 a.m. Thursday Midwest Energy Corporate Communications Manager Mike Morley told Hay Post that their staff has been busy this morning helping re-light businesses in a three block area around 8th and Oak that lost gas service. A gas leak on Wednesday afternoon caused an evacuation of Midland Marketing. There were no injuries and Midwest Energy crews were able to quickly isolate the leak.
4:41 p.m. An investigation into what caused the Wednesday afternoon gas leak in downtown Hays is underway. Midwest Energy Corporate Communications
Manager Mike Morley told Hays Post that their crews were able to quickly isolate the problem and shut off a series of valves to contain the leak.
“There is a two to three block area of downtown Hays currently without gas,” said Morley. “Midwest Energy will work around the clock to restore service to customers. Those businesses in the area that need help, Midwest Energy will be also be available on Thursday morning to help restore service.”
Midwest Energy is continuing a project replacing aging pipe in downtown Hays with new polyethylene pipe.
4:22 p.m. MIdwest Energy and additional essential workers remain on the scene of the Wednesday afternoon gas leak near 8th and Oak Street. Police are opening streets to normal traffic. Midland Marketing employees were evacuated to a nearby business. They are being allowed to return to work.
4:14 p.m. Streets in the area of this afternoon’s gas leak near Midland Marketing remain closed.
4:05 p.m. Midwest Energy crews have been able to reduce the pressure in the main gas line and fire crews are checking the concentration of gas that may have accumulated in Midland Marketing.
3:55 p.m. A main gas line is being investigated. Evacuations of Midland Marketing are underway. Traffic at 10th and 8th on Oak and from Pine and Oak Street at 8th and 9th is being diverted. Stay tuned to Eagle Radio and check Hays Post for more as it become available.
3:50 p.m. Traffic is being shut down in the area of 10th and Oak.
3:46 p.m. Hays Fire and Police have been dispatched to report of a gas leak at 9th and Oak Street in Hays. Midwest Energy reported the leak.