Gas pumps run dry on Kansas Turnpike

Some drivers on the Kansas Turnpike weren't able to fill up because there was no gas for sale.

For several hours Wednesday, some stations along the road were empty. A bunch of cars pulled into the Towanda service area expecting to fill up the tank.

"We just saw a sign that said 33 miles until we are able to get gas so we'd figured we'd stop." driver Christie Henry said.  "Then we seen that everything is covered in yellow that tells you that there's no gas."

In fact, no gas was for sale on the Turnpike between Wichita and Emporia, a stretch of about 90 miles.

"We're kind of freaking out right now because I'm on empty," driver Mary Stoneking said.

The Kansas Turnpike Authority says a middle management company known as PCF Saleco ran into business issues.

Fortunately for drivers, the KTA was ready.

"I'm going to put gas in this car for him and then the gas in that one because they can't make it to where they're going," KTA Motor Safety Assist Officer Andrew Lassman said.

He gave away two free gallons of gas to stranded motorists.

"I sure appreciate it," one driver said.  "You guys are a lifesaver. What do i owe you for that?"

"Nothing," Lassman replied.

"Okay, well, thank you," the driver answered.

Gasmart USA worked out a deal with PCF to lease out the two stations.  New fuel came around one o'clock, but customers had to pay cash only.

Credit card machines were down during the transition between companies.

All turnpike service areas have been refueled and are open for business as usual.