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.

Six days after a gas leak led to a fire that destroyed a business on Hutchinson’s Main Street and displaced several others, the community anticipates answers on how to move forward.

An explosion caused by leaking natural gas destroyed a building, leading to the evacuation of a large area in downtown Hutchinson.

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.

A gas leak that resulted in a building explosion in the southern end of downtown Hutchinson Saturday morning prompted an evacuation alert for nearby residents.

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