Media Release

For more information contact: Jesse Borjon, 785-271-3269

KCC Opens Investigation into Kansas Gas Service, Inc. Regarding Natural Gas Incident in Wichita

Today, the Kansas Corporation Commission (Commission) issued an order opening a general investigation into the December 20, 2011, explosion that occurred at 728 Minnesota in Wichita, Kansas. The explosion destroyed a single family residence and injured three occupants.

Under the authority of K.S.A. 66-1,150, the Commission has established rules and regulations governing the operation of intrastate natural gas pipelines. Under the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act, the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) certifies the Commission’s pipeline safety program. As part of this certification, PHMSA requires the Commission to investigate natural gas incidents that have resulted in personal injury requiring hospitalization, a fatality, property damage, and other incidents considered significant by the state agency.

Findings will be entered into Docket No. 12-KGSG-490-GIG, the official investigation docket.