Reports of possible tampering surface after Salina, Assaria gas line issues
Photo: Cjp24 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Kansas Gas Service is inspecting its lines for possible tampering, according to reports Salina311 received Friday morning from multiple people working on the issue. Tampering has not been confirmed.
The inspection follows several gas leak calls in Salina on Thursday and reports Friday morning of similar gas line issues in Assaria.
What happened Thursday
On Thursday, Oct. 29, emergency crews responded to gas leak calls at several locations in Salina. Locations reported over emergency dispatch radio included Crawford Street and Marymount Road, Crawford and Fourth streets, Ohio and North streets, and Ash Street near the animal shelter. Workers were evacuated from a business complex at 2130 E. Crawford St.
Later Thursday, the Salina Police Department told Salina311 that pressure valves had vented gas at the locations, that Kansas Gas did not suspect tampering and that all leaks had been mitigated with no danger to the public. Police did not say anything about tampering beyond that.
What changed Friday
Friday morning, Salina311 received reports from multiple people working on the issue that Kansas Gas is now inspecting its lines for possible tampering. That has not been confirmed by Kansas Gas or police.
Also Friday morning, reports came in of similar issues with gas lines in Assaria. It is not yet known what caused the problems in Assaria, whether they are connected to the Salina incidents, or when the inspection will be complete.
Salina311 reached out to Kansas Gas Service for information Friday.
Anyone who smells natural gas should leave the area immediately, then call 911 and Kansas Gas Service's 24-hour emergency line at 888-482-4950 from a safe distance, according to Kansas Gas Service.
Salina311 will update this story as more information becomes available.
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