Topeka Police are looking for a suspect or suspects involved in a theft of a van and a fire early this morning.
A driver of the stolen van struck a gas line that ignited the vehicle on the corner of a West Topeka intersection, illuminating the area with an abundance of bright red flames.
Firefighters responded to 21st Street and Seabrook Avenue just before 2 a.m.
This van, seen destroyed by flames, hit a gas meter around 2 a.m. this morning. The driver escaped.
Topeka Police say the van was stolen around that same time from a nearby business.
Service to one business was affected, but it should be restored within a couple hours, Kansas Gas Service Spokeswoman Rosiland Jennings said. No residences lost gas service.
Almost four hours after the fire started, crews were able to get the van away from the meter and the gas turned off.
We'll bring you more details as they happened. Stick around KTKA.com or tune in to 49 News at 11.
Location of fire
Crime tip hotlines
Can you help solve a crime?
If you have any information about a crime, please call police at the following numbers:
Topeka Police (non-emergency): (785) 368-9400 Topeka Crime Stoppers (for anonymous tips): (785) 234-0007 Crimes in Shawnee County (non-emergency): (785) 368-2200 Kansas Bureau of Investigation: 1-800-KS-CRIME (800-572-7463)
The annual Parade of Homes goes on despite the rough economy. Learn if organizers are having a tougher time putting on the show with the slumping housing market.
Coming up on Monday's 49 News Good Morning Kansas --Does snoring zap brain power? Researchers have long looked at the link between snoring and intelligence, but now, there's new food for thought. Find out about the research that highlights the relationship between snoring and intelligence in kids.
How is all the news about the shaky economy and the stock market crash affecting you? Let us know by weighing in on our Web poll.
Salute Your Hero
49 News wants to share personal stories of military service. If you have served or know someone who has, share the story online and on the air.
KTKA is your Station of the Year. We were recently awarded this honor, among others, by the Kansas Association of Broadcasters. Learn more.
Digital Television Info
By Feb. 17, 2009, all television transmissions will be digital. KTKA is counting down to that day. Will your television screen go black? Tap into resources that will aid you in making the switch. Go.
If you've read the papers lately, you'll see that much is changing with South African politics; the president basically stepped down. You may remember me writing about Jacob Zuma before? For better or worse, and it makes me incredibly nervous, but change is on the horizon for politics in SA...
Interested in writing a blog? Send us a few sample entries! Let us know what you're interested in writing about, the experience you have with your topic, and anything else you think we'll find useful to know.
Post a comment
(Requires free registration.)