Lexington, Mo. – A gas explosion that occurred late Tuesday near a local funeral home has prompted a thorough investigation and immediate response from utility crews and city officials. The blast, which took place around 7:45 p.m. on 18th Street, nestled between Franklin and South streets, resulted in injuries to three residents, according to City Administrator Shawnna Funderburk. The specifics of their conditions have been withheld following a request from the family.
Authorities, including Deputy Chief Scott Stoneberger of the Missouri Department of Public Safety’s Fire Investigation Unit, remain at the scene to determine the cause of the explosion. Preliminary details reveal that the incident may be connected to a compromised gas main at the residence.
Prior to the explosion, workers from Liberty Utilities had been dispatched to the address to inspect a reported outside gas leak, explained Jeff McChristian, the utility’s Director of Operations. Following the accident, Liberty Gas has temporarily discontinued gas service throughout the city to ensure safety. The ongoing process includes shutting off meters and executing safety evaluations before service can be resumed.
In response to the situation, Liberty Gas is taking aggressive measures to prevent further incidents. “Our top priority is the safety of our residents,” McChristian stated. “We are working tirelessly to inspect and secure the gas infrastructure throughout Lexington.”
Community members have expressed concern and hope for a swift resolution. “It’s unsettling to experience something like this in our town,” said Marcus Lintz, a local shop owner. “I hope the injured recover quickly and that the gas service is safely restored soon.”
The local authorities have scheduled another briefing to provide updates and further details once the initial phase of the investigation concludes. Residents have been advised to report any unusual gas smells or suspicions of leaks to the authorities immediately, as the investigation and repair efforts continue.
City officials and Liberty Utilities emphasize their commitment to transparency and vigilance during this critical time. “We understand the community’s concerns and are committed to addressing them as swiftly and safely as possible,” Funderburk assured. As the city of Lexington awaits further updates, the community holds on to hope that the actions being taken will prevent any future occurrences and restore normalcy swiftly.