Crews respond to possible pipeline explosion near Hesston

HESSTON, Kan. – Authorities say a natural gas pipeline exploded in rural central Kansas, sending flames shooting more than 75 feet (23 metres) into the air.

A Harvey County dispatcher says the explosion was reported around 7:30 a.m. Friday near the town of Hesston, which is about 30 miles (50 kilometres) north of Wichita. No injuries have been reported.

The gas line belongs to Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline. Company spokesman Rob Southard says the gas supply was shut off and that the fire burned itself out by later in the morning. He says crews are assessing damage but won’t begin making repairs until the area cools off.

He says the cause is under investigation. He says there was no excavation work being done in the area beforehand.