Stephens County residents returned to their homes following an evacuation early Saturday morning caused by a natural gas well leak, according to a news report by KWTV-9.
On Saturday, Velma Fire Chief Jay Dumas indicated that a buildup of pressure caused the well head to release a vapor cloud of toxic hydrogen sulfide gas into the air.
Fire crews discovered lethal concentrations surrounding the site near Highway 7 and Texaco Road, located a short distance west of Velma-Alma High School. Evacuations were ordered northwest of the well site. Officials closed a portion of a Highway 7 due to the gas leak.
Firefighters worked to suppress the gas leak with water before capping off the well, according to the news report. The four-mile radius evacuation order was issued on Saturday at approximately 2:40 a.m. and lifted later in the afternoon when the situation was brought under control.
No injuries were reported following the incident.