UPDATE 2/23/2020 10:18 a.m.
YAZOO COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – Authorities said weather may have contributed to a gas leak in Sataria on Saturday. They said the ground may have shifted due to the recent rain.
The pipeline was transporting carbon dioxide used by Denbury Resources for oilfield operations.
At least 48 people were taken to the hospital because of the leak. 300 neighbors were evacuated from the area near MS 3 and MS 433. The Mississippi Department of Transportation reopened the roads Sunday morning.
Officials said homes were inspected, and environmental specialists escorted neighbors to their houses on Sunday.
Denbury released a statement about the leak:
At approximately 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 22nd, a leak was detected on a carbon dioxide pipeline operated by Denbury Onshore in Yazoo County, MS near the town of Satartia. The affected area of the pipeline was isolated within minutes, and the leak site was evacuated as a precaution. Denbury has been working closely with state and local officials in the response and evacuation efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of the community, its residents and the environment, which is Denbury’s top priority. It is important to note that no injuries have been reported, the area is secure and poses no threat to the public, and local authorities lifted the evacuation at 8:00 a.m. Sunday morning permitting residents to return to their homes. Company and local officials are available to assist residents as they return. The cause of the release is under investigation.
Denbury Resources
MEMA, Yazoo County Emergency Management, the Yazoo County Sheriff’s Department, Yazoo Fire, Tri-county Fire, MHP, Warren County Fire, and the Warren County EMA worked together to respond to the incident.
UPDATE: 2/23/2020
YAZOO COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – According to the Village of Satartia Facebook page, 48 people were hospitalized after a gas leak Saturday night.
On its website, the Mississippi Department of Transportation said all lanes are still blocked on MS 3 at MS 433.
The Yazoo County Emergency Management Agency said neighbors who were evacuated should meet at the post office in Satartia at 9:00 Sunday morning. Environmental specialists will escort them to their homes.
YAZOO COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – Several agencies are responding to a gas leak along Highway 433 and Highway 3 in Yazoo County.
Corporal Kervin Stewart with Mississippi Highway Patrol said multiple people were transported to the hospital, while others have been treated near the evacuation area.
According to Vicksburg News, Yazoo County authorities notified Warren County of a toxic chemical release in the Satartia area around 7:35 p.m. on Saturday.
Yazoo Emergency Management Director Jack Willingham said that they may be dealing with a carbon dioxide gas leak. Authorities are asking people to stay out of the State Highway 3 and Highway 433 area until further notice.
The Yazoo Co. Emergency Management Agency released the following statement:
“To all residents of Satartia, if you are located within 1/4 mile of Satartia hill you need to take one of the following actions: If you are in a solid structure as a house or sturdy trailer you can shelter in place. Cut off all heaters and air conditioners. If you can smell a noxious odor in your home, whether trailer or house, you need to evacuate.”
Warren County Fire Coordinator Gerald Briggs, 911 Director and Northeast Fire Chief Shane Garrard, Culkin Fire Chief Lamar Federick and other law enforcement are still working to assess the area.
This is a developing story.
