A truck struck a gas meter on an empty lot near 408 Park Street in Tarkio Tuesday, April 19, which led to road blocks and residential evacuations until the scene was made safe.

On Tuesday, April 19, 2022, at approximately 2:22 p.m., a subject driving a truck struck a gas meter in a vacant yard at about 408 Park Street in Tarkio, causing a rupture in the gas line. The Tarkio Volunteer Fire Department and Tarkio Police Department responded. An area down wind from the ruptured line was cordoned off and homes were evacuated, per the gas company directions and Emergency Response Guideline for First Responders, from 4th and Park Street to 7th and Park Street, 7th and Park to 7th and Spruce Street, 7th and Spruce Street to Spruce and 4th Sreet, and back to 4th and Park Street. Firefighters from Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department assisted by going door to door to advise and evacuate residents downwind of the leak, while members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri Department of Conservation, Nodaway County Sheriff’s Office, Tarkio Board of Public Works, and Tarkio Street Department blocked streets and assisted with traffic evacuation.

Once the leak was under control and rendered safe by the gas company, residents were allowed to return home. The Tarkio Police Department would like to thank all the residents for their understanding and quick response.