Crash knocks out natural gas to hundreds in Douglas County
(Alexandria, MN) – A crash north of Alexandria early Wednesday caused a major natural gas leak and forced evacuations. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office says a vehicle struck a gas overflow pipe on County Road 42 around 2:30 a.m. The driver, 42-year-old Samantha Porter of Carlos, was arrested, and deputies believe alcohol was a factor. Officials called the leak “very significant,” prompting evacuations, power shutoffs, and road closures. CenterPoint Energy says about customers in Carlos and Alexandria could be without service into Friday as crews work to repair damage. Drivers are urged to avoid the area. As of this morning, about 200 customers are still without gas.