GARDEN CITY, Kan. (KAKE) - Investigators say a natural gas leak caused an explosion that destroyed a home Saturday evening.
The Garden City Fire Department said that crews responded to an active explosion incident in the 2700 block of 10th Street around 7:15 p.m. Saturday.
In addition to the loss of the home, a large debris field surrounded the site. One victim was treated and taken to the hospital.
A bystander told KAKE News she witnessed the explosion and contacted 911. The woman, who asked to remain anonymous, said she saw multiple people run to pull a man out of the rubble.
"He was conscious but severely burned and unable to walk," she said. "He was able to say that he was home alone. A group of neighbors pulled him out of the debris as the fire was spreading. The smell of gas was incredibly strong."
The investigation, which was coordinated with the State Fire Marshal's office and the Garden City Fire Department, found that the explosion was caused by a natural gas leak, which was ignited when the victim turned on the stove. The issue was isolated to the gas line inside the home. A statement from Black Hills Energy said testing showed there was no leak in Black Hills' distribution system outside of the home.
In an update just before 9 p.m., Garden City Fire says gas was turned off as a precaution on 9th and 11th Street between Fair and Hamline Streets, and that the public should remain to avoid the area. In addition, the city's electric department was dispatched due to a downed power line. The city's street department also responded to the scene for debris removal.
USD 457 Garden City Public Schools said in a post that the explosion occurred next to Gertrude Walker Elementary School and the school sustained minor damage. The district did not hold summer school at the school on Monday.
The investigation is ongoing.
Any families affected by the explosion are recommended to call the Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).