Missouri’s attorney general has taken legal action against a natural gas company following a tragic explosion that resulted in the death of a young boy. The lawsuit, filed by Attorney General Andrew Bailey, claims that Liberty Utilities violated state safety laws, which are meant to protect residents during construction work.
The explosion occurred on April 9 in Lexington, a small town about 55 miles east of Kansas City. A preliminary federal investigation revealed that a Liberty Utilities employee did not mark a section of a gas line before another company began drilling to install fiber optic cables. This oversight led to the devastating blast that killed 5-year-old Alistair Lamb and injured his 10-year-old sister, Cami, along with their father, Jacob Cunningham.
Bailey’s lawsuit, submitted to the Lafayette County Circuit Court, alleges that a Liberty employee inaccurately informed the fiber optic crew that all gas lines had been properly marked. The attorney general described the incident as a "preventable tragedy" and is seeking a fine of $10,000 for each day the gas line remained unmarked. He is also requesting the appointment of a special monitor to ensure Liberty Utilities adheres to safety regulations moving forward.
In response, Liberty Utilities stated that they are cooperating with the ongoing investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board. They expressed their commitment to the safety of their customers and their willingness to assist the affected families. The company emphasized its dedication to working with authorities to uncover the cause of the explosion.
This incident has raised significant concerns about safety practices in utility companies, particularly when it comes to protecting communities during construction projects. The lawsuit highlights the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols, which are designed to prevent such tragedies in the future.