GYPSUM, CO – Sept. 18, 2020 - The safety of our community, customers and employees is our first priority and Black Hills Energy has 25 team members on site working with first responders in response to yesterday’s suspected natural gas incident.
“We’re saddened to learn that a Gypsum resident was fatally injured,” stated Vance Crocker, vice president of Colorado operations for Black Hills Energy. “Our hearts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of the individual who lost their life and with all families and loved ones who are involved and who are affected. We’re working with all appropriate agencies to determine the cause of this tragedy.”
At this time:
- Black Hills Energy is assisting in a thorough investigation being conducted by a third-party investigator and Eagle County Sheriff and Fire Departments to determine the origin and cause of the incident.
- Natural gas service is shut off to the neighborhood of Chatfield Corners and as a safety precaution, the local fire department has evacuated nearby residents.
- Black Hills Energy is testing and monitoring in the immediate area, and conducting pressure testing before service can be safely restored.
- As we continue to address the situation, Fire Officials have designated the Gypsum Rec Centers as an evacuation location.
- Once the system has been determined to be safe and secure and ready to be turned back on, crews will work to restore natural gas service to customers in the affected area as quickly as possible.
- Any resident who had digging done on their property; Black Hills Energy will be restoring those items at our expense.
Please remember the following safety tips:
- Be alert for leaking natural gas. If you smell natural gas, leave the building or area immediately and tell others to leave too.
- After you’re safely away from the area, call 911 and our emergency number at 800-694-8989. Never assume someone else has reported a natural gas leak. Alert your neighbors.
- Do not turn on lights, ignite a flame, use a cell phone or use anything that might cause a spark, including a flashlight or a generator.
- Never attempt to repair a natural gas leak, and do not attempt to turn natural gas valves on or off.
Updates on service restoration will be sent to local media in coordination with Eagle County. Customers can also obtain information on blackhillsenergy.com, facebook and twitter @blackhillsenergy or by calling 888-890-5554