Gas plant explosion injured 2 and forced evacuation of Kansas town

The small town of Haven, Kansas was evacuated Thursday after an explosion and fire at the Haven Midstream gas plant. Two workers were injured in the blast.

The Reno County Emergency Management Department ordered the town of about 1,200 residents to evacuate for fear another explosion could occur. Haven is located along K-96 highway midway between Wichita and Hutchinson, Kansas.

“Responding g fire crews were met with active flames, heavy smoke, and explosions. Emergency crews established an initial perimeter around the plant and the initial fire was mostly contained,” Reno County Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar stated early Friday morning.

Reno County officials said after further inspection of the plant, they found 2,000 to 3,000 gallons of trapped liquid natural gas. They said the relief valves are compromised, which could set off another explosion according to WIBW TV.

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