Hitchcock, OK – Authorities evacuated a state park and closed two state highways for a time because of a natural gas leak in northwest Oklahoma.
No injuries or illnesses were reported when a pipeline ruptured about 6:25 p.m. yesterday in a wheat field between Hitchcock and Roman Nose State Park near Watonga.
Hitchcock Fire Chief Perry Scheffler says the pipeline continued to leak before the gas was shut off around 8 p.m.
Officials say residents in low-lying areas near the leak were at most risk.
Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers and sheriff's deputies closed down Oklahoma 8 south of Roman Nose and Oklahoma 8A west of the park.
Scheffler says the area was cleared and people were allowed back in their homes about 9 p.m.