Dash cam video shows firefighters barely escaping a violent gas explosion by mere seconds
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City officials continue to investigate the circumstances during a powerful gas explosion that almost trapped a firefighting crew in downtown Hutchinson, Kansas, on Saturday morning. Video footage shows firefighters narrowly escaping the explosion while running from the building.
The explosion occurred at and auto parts business after reports of gas odour in the area. This prompted emergency calls at 9:26 a.m. local time on Saturday February 22, 2025.
Fire Chief Steven Beer confirmed that arriving firefighters witnessed the building explode.
"Everyone in the structure got out," Beer said in a news release. "This fire is a gas-fed fire through a (10-inch) natural gas line. The main body of fire at the auto parts store has been controlled; however, the street and sidewalk remain on fire due to the gas leak. Crews went to a defensive operation using unmanned free streams."
Dramatic footage shared on social media depicted multiple water lines combating the fire. A Facebook user identified one of the building’s owners stating that he "evacuated just before it blew up."
A local resident who filmed the fire, described a strong gas odour at the scene and said he could see a gas line burning in front of the store, noting that the smell resembled propane.
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