August 28, 2011

Despite protests from nearby residents, Butler County will allow Global Propane to continue to operate at its current location. Earlier this month a huge explosion at the business killed one worker and burned down several homes.

After digging through old documents and zoning laws county officials tell KAKE news Global Propane was grandfathered in at least 30 years ago at its current site.

Workers spray painted the big propane tank at the company Monday. An employee was filling smaller tanks on August 2, when an explosion occurred.

The blast sent tanks propelling hundreds of yards into the air setting grass and houses on fire. Residents of the nearby Flint Hills neighborhood along with dozens of others had to be evacuated. Now there is a movement to keep global from rebuilding at the site.

"If there's a case where there may be some controversy, you want to make sure you have all your i's dotted and t's crossed," said Butler County Planning Director Rod Compton.

Global Propane president John Jacobsen said thecompany has always taken safety precautions. The explosion was a terrible accident and he wants to assure everyone the global will continue to operate safely.