Gas Leak Repaired—-Evacuated Residents Return to Their Homes Near Velma

Residents near a gas well site that leaked toxic hydrogen sulfide gas were able to return to their homes over the weekend near the town of Velma in southern Oklahoma.

Fire Chief Jay Dumas told reporters a buildup of pressure caused the Stephens County well head to fail late Friday night. The evacuations were carried out near state highway 7 and Texaco Road located west of Velma.

KSWO TV in Lawton reported the owner of the well site said a safety alarm was triggered and allowed workers to evacuate safely. No injuries were reported. The owner also reported there was no explosion at the natural gas well before the leak.