CARLOS, Minn. (KFGO) – A warming center is open for people affected by a gas leak and power outage in central Minnesota.
CenterPoint Energy crews have been working to repair damage to its above ground natural gas regulator station near Carlos, Minnesota. It was hit by a vehicle around 2:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office says the crash caused a “very significant” leak and gas and power were shut off as a precaution. Approximately 525 customers are experiencing outages in the Carlos and Alexandria areas.
Carlos City Hall, located at 109 1st Street West in Carlos, will be available for area residents as a warming center starting at 1:00 p.m. Thursday and continuing into the night. CenterPoint staff will be on site to provide space heaters to affected customers.
The company reminds customers to use their personal emergency plan and these resources at Carlos City Hall to stay safe and warm today and potentially overnight.
CenterPoint has secured the area and is repairing its infrastructure safely and as quickly as possible. As part of this process, the company will go to each affected location to turn off natural gas meters. The company expects efforts to restore affected customers could continue into Friday, Dec. 5.
Douglas County Deputies believe the driver of the vehicle involved in the crash, 42-year-old Samantha Porter, was drinking prior to the crash. She was arrested.
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