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This vehicle hit the city of Kaplan's natural gas regulator station.

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A close up look of the major damage done to the station.

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Pipes were broken and shoved when the vehicle hit the station.

One vehicle accident in Kaplan causes major disruption in natural gas services.

KAPLAN - An early morning one vehicle accident caused the shut down of a natural gas line which feeds the city of Kaplan including along Highway 14 to the golf course in Abbeville.

According to Kaplan Mayor Kirk Champagne, at approximately 2:15 a 2013 Chevy vehicle was traveling south on Morvant Street in Kaplan at a high rate of speed. When the vehicle reached the T-intersection at Second Street, he did not stop causing the vehicle run straight into the the city's natural gas regulator station.

A three block area was evacuated due to the spewing of natural gas. All evacuees were brought to the Kaplan City Hall and were able to return home at 6 a.m.

Assistant Chief of Police Virgie Lemaire stated the Kaplan Police and Kaplan Fire and Rescue were called to the scene and rescued a passenger who was passed out in the vehicle. The drive and a possible other passenger fled the scene. While rescuing the passenger, two Kaplan police officers were overcome with gas inhalation and to be brought to the hospital. Officer Chris Breaux is currently still at the Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital while Officer Bishop Campbell was brought to Lafayette General. They are currently still both in the hospital.

The rescued passenger's name has not been released and is refusing to give the officers information on the driver and the possible third passenger.

When the gas district supervisor for the city, Willie Earl Leonard, learned of the accident, he knew he had to cut off the natural gas supply feeding the city. His first attempt was near Lemaire's Towing, but was unable to locate it due to the darkness. His other option was to go directly to the source located at the corner of Highway 343 and Highway 14. There he was able to cut off the supply of the flow of natural gas.

"Our first plan of action is to get a temporary fix so our residents can get gas back into their homes as soon as possible," said Mayor Champagne. "We are currently working with a contractor to make that happen. We know it is an inconvenience to our residents and we are asking for patience till we can come up with a fast, but safe plan of action."

Also assisting at the scene was the Vermilion Parish Sheriff Department.

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