Official offers condolences of child who died in Lexington home explosion, gas shut off across city
LEXINGTON, Mo. (KCTV) - As officials addressed the media for an update on a gas explosion that took place Wednesday evening, one offered his condolences for a fatality in the incident.
Jeff McChristian, the director of operations for Liberty Utilities, expressed his sympathy for those affected by Wednesday’s tragedy.
“Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family and friends of the child that lost their life in this incident,” he said. “Liberty crews remain on scene working closely with officials to respond to and investigate the incident. ”
The National Transportation Safety Board announced that is investigating the explosion. The NTSB website states that it investigates such incidents because gas pipelines are considered a part of the transportation system.
The explosion happened in the area of 18th Street between Franklin and South Street about 7:45 p.m. A Liberty Gas official said gas crews were made aware of a damaged gas line and an outside leak during a fiber line installation. Liberty Gas said 811 was called, and the line was located.
Three people were inside a home that went up in flames, and multiple other properties were affected. The City of Lexington did not confirm the nature of their injuries.
Liberty Gas has shut off service to the entire city of Lexington as a result, a city spokesperson said at 9:21 p.m. The City said gas was shut off throughout the night and into Thursday morning.
Police said the gas line was struck behind the Walker-Nadler-Fuller Funeral Home.
A Liberty Gas representative said the company had to shut off 1,900 gas meters across the city.
The cause of the explosion is under investigation by the Missouri State Fire Marshals Office.
Several officials said no additional information could be made available due to the early nature of the investigation.
The City of Lexington asked that no names be released at the request of the family.
An aunt of the child who died in the explosion has organized a GoFundMe to help the family with funeral and medical costs.
The Lexington R-V School District released the following statement to KCTV5:
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