LEXINGTON, Mo. — Authorities in Lexington, Missouri, are intensively investigating the remnants of a devastating home explosion that occurred Wednesday night on 18th Street, shaking this small community. The catastrophe claimed homes and has prompted a thorough investigation by several agencies, including the National Transportation Safety Board, Missouri Public Utilities Commission, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
During Wednesday afternoon, local resident Alicia Billings reported a gas smell while on her deck, close to where utility workers and emergency crews were addressing a reported gas leak. Despite her concerns about safety, Billings was reassured by the crews that the situation was under control.
The explosion unfolded several hours after the initial gas leak report, occurring at 7:45 p.m., a considerable delay from the first emergency call at 4:15 p.m. the same day. This delay and the subsequent explosion have raised questions about the adequacy of the response to the gas leak and whether residents, including Billings and her family, were adequately protected.
Eyewitness Linda Wilson, who was near the vicinity, described a significant emergency response presence before the explosion, noting that the entire street was cordoned off and filled with police vehicles, suggesting anticipation of a serious incident.
Lexington City Manager Shawnna Funderburk highlighted that protocols established by the gas company, Liberty Utilities, were followed, emphasizing continuous communication between the utility company and emergency services. However, the incident’s timing and impact are under scrutiny, as the explosion destroyed the adjacent 1840-built historic home of Alicia Billings, where she and her husband had raised their children.
According to investigators, the explosion was triggered when Sellenriek Construction, engaged in installing fiber optic cables, struck a gas line. The inquiry will focus on whether Liberty Utilities had accurately marked the gas line and if their protocols were sufficient and effectively implemented.
The immediate aftermath of the explosion saw miraculous escapes, with Billings shielding her 18-month-old granddaughter Ella from flying debris. Fortunately, neither Ella nor other family members sustained injuries, despite the proximity to the blast.
In response to the event, city officials shut down gas service across Lexington on Friday to facilitate the ongoing investigation and ensure community safety. The response from both Liberty Utilities and Sellenriek Construction is pending as they have not yet issued comments regarding the incident.
Moreover, the Missouri Public Service Commission is conducting a separate investigation into Liberty Utilities concerning numerous customer complaints about its billing practices, which might shed light on broader issues within the company.
The repercussions of this tragedy have resonated deeply within the community, highlighting concerns about infrastructure safety and emergency response protocols. As investigations proceed, there is a concerted call for transparency and accountability to prevent such incidents in the future and ensure public safety.