Natural Gas Leak Hits Wichita Postal Facility
Save Email Print
Updated: 6:15 PM Dec 21, 2005
Natural Gas Leak Hits Wichita Postal Facility
Wichita
Dozens of workers become ill.
Posted: 6:15 PM Dec 21, 2005
Reporter: Mark Whitmire
Font Size:

Natural Gas Leak Leaves Wichita Workers Sick

December 21- Dozens of Wichita workers needed medical attention today, after a natural gas leak made them sick.

Employees at the U.S. Postal Service Encoding Center on South Oliver began to notice a strange smell inside the building around 11:00 a.m. "There was an odor in the air, and that odor can cause for some people irritant type reactions," said Curtis Reddington of the Sedgwick County Health Department.

Once paramedics arrived on the scene, they found several workers complaining of headaches and nausea.

Hazardous materials and health department investigators were also called to check out the scene. Their first concern for employees was an exposure to carbon monoxide, but that was soon ruled out. Hazmat investigators say part of the problem began at the corner of Orme & Rutan more than a mile north of the mail facility. A gas leak coupled with a minor leak from a boiler inside the building was just enough for some workers to have a negative reaction.

More than twenty workers were treated at the scene. Seven were taken to Wesley Medical Center for observation. Other were treated at the scene and went back to work.

National AP Video
Twitter News Feed
    Offbeat News Headlines
    SUV Hits Elephant That Escaped From Okla. Circus
    0 Comments
    An Oklahoma couple driving home from church hit an animal — a really big one. (Full Story)
    Student May Not Get $10,000 Prize For Field Goal
    2 Comments
    A University of Montana student who kicked a field goal to win a $10,000 prize likely won't get the money because he hadn't been away from the sport long enough. (Full Story)
    Ball, Big Wheel, Game Boy Make Toy Hall of Fame
    0 Comments
    Bounce it, kick it, catch it. Chase, throw or smack it. The ball, arguably the most popular plaything of all time, has finally earned a place inside a glass case at the National Toy Hall of Fame in New York. (Full Story)
    Elevator To Space? They're Really Trying
    2 Comments
    A laser-powered elevator to space isn't getting to the top floor. (Full Story)
    Robbery Victim IDs Suspect From Old Yearbook
    1 Comment
    After being robbed of his jacket, cell phone, keys and $300, a Pennsylvania man was left with the odd feeling that his assailants looked familiar. Police say that's because they went to school together about 15 years ago. (Full Story)
    Gone To The Dogs: LA Church Starts Pet Service
    2 Comments
    The pastor of a Los Angeles church has an idea he hopes will draw new followers and help his church reconnect with the community. (Full Story)
    More Headlines
    Extras
    Happy Thanksgiving!
    Your 2009 Thanksgiving Guide
    H1N1 News
    Click here for the latest news regarding the H1N1 virus.
    Upickem Pigskin Payoff Contest
    Click here to go to our pro football season contest!
    First United Methodist Church of Wichita
    Click here to watch Sunday services live.