Underground methane gas leak leaves a dozen Owasso businesses displaced, stranded

June 24, 2026 - 11:33

A sudden environmental scare has left a popular Owasso shopping center wrapped in caution tape and at least 12 local family-owned businesses completely stranded. The incident, caused by an underground methane gas leak, has shut down a busy commercial strip, leaving owners unable to access their shops or retrieve inventory.

Emergency crews responded late Tuesday after reports of a strong gas odor near the complex. Tests confirmed elevated methane levels beneath the pavement, prompting an immediate evacuation. Fire officials say the leak originated from a damaged utility line, though the exact cause remains under investigation. Crews are now working to vent the gas and stabilize the area, but they have not given a timeline for when the strip will reopen.

For the affected business owners, the closure has been devastating. Many run small operations with no backup location, meaning they have lost days of revenue with no clear end in sight. Some have reported losing perishable goods and struggling to contact customers. One restaurant owner described the situation as a nightmare, saying they are stuck watching their livelihood sit behind yellow tape.

Local authorities have set up a temporary command post to coordinate repairs and answer questions from business owners. The city has urged patience, stressing that safety is the top priority. However, for the dozen families who depend on those storefronts, every hour of delay brings more uncertainty.