Gas Line Explosion Injures Five, Sparks Fire Near Johnstown Colorado

A gas line explosion occurred near the intersection of Colorado Highway 60 and County Road 13 in Johnstown, Colorado, on the morning of July 24, 2025, resulting in a large fire that shot flames dozens of feet into the air. The explosion occurred during ongoing gas line work, with numerous Xcel Energy trucks present in the area, and the fire was brought under control by approximately 11:45 a.m. Five people sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to the hospital, while a half-mile shelter-in-place warning was issued and nearby homes were evacuated before all evacuations were lifted by 12:30 p.m. The incident caused the closure of Colorado 60 between Colorado Boulevard and Weld County Road 15 for several hours, reopening by 3 p.m. Fire investigators from Front Range Fire Rescue and the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control are actively investigating the cause of the explosion. Local residents described hearing a loud bang and seeing flames as high as 100 to 150 feet, expressing relief that firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and prevented further damage to homes and vehicles.