Lexington, Missouri – A devastating house explosion on Wednesday night that killed a 5-year-old boy and critically injured two others has put a local construction firm under intense scrutiny. The CEO of Sellenriek Construction, Steve Sellenriek, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and provided preliminary findings suggesting that a subcontractor adhered to all necessary protocols during the operation that led to the blast.
The explosion, which destroyed a family home in Lexington, was reportedly caused when a subcontractor hit an unmarked gas line while installing fiber optic cable. “We profoundly regret the loss and injuries that occurred. It is particularly painful as we strive to contribute positively to our communities,” Sellenriek said, extending his condolences to the affected family.
According to Sellenriek, the subcontractor had taken steps to prevent such an incident, including contacting Missouri 811 to check for underground utilities before beginning the work. Despite these measures, the accident occurred, leading to immediate emergency responses by the subcontractor who alerted authorities and utility services.
The incident has now drawn the attention of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which is conducting a comprehensive investigation into the practices of three companies present at the scene. OSHA’s review is expected to take up to six months, during which the details of the explosion will be closely examined.
In light of the tragedy, community members and local authorities have rallied to support the affected family and scrutinize safety protocols in construction projects involving underground utilities. Authorities emphasized the importance of strict adherence to safety regulations to prevent similar incidents.
“We are cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation and are committed to understanding the precise cause of this incident to prevent future occurrences,” Sellenriek added. The company also disclosed their involvement in multiple community projects aimed at infrastructure improvement, highlighting the gravity with which they view the incident against their broader mission.
While the local community mourns the loss of a young life and prays for the recovery of the injured, questions remain about potential oversights and the adequacy of existing safety measures for construction projects involving underground utilities. The incident in Lexington serves as a tragic reminder of the potential dangers of such operations, catalyzing calls for enhanced safety standards and practices in the construction industry.