Utility damage reports surge

In 2024, the country saw more than 83,000 reports of damage to gas and electrical lines.

One in four incidents due to no 811 call

One in four of those damage reports were because people failed to call 811.

Molly Krummenacher's home fire

Molly Krummenacher found her hot water heater and dryer on fire after an excavator hit her electric line.

“It’s just sheer panic and disbelief”

AT&T subcontractor USIC caused damage

AT&T hired subcontractor USIC to mark the electric lines, but there was no flag or marking for the electrical line.

Damage costs $20,000

The incident caused a surge that turned neutral wires into live wires, resulting in $20,000 in damage.

Increasing damage trend

Common Ground Alliance data shows more than half a million reports of damage to underground utilities at dig sites in recent years.

Missouri and Illinois damage rates

In Missouri, more than 10,000 reports have been filed in recent years, with close to 6,500 in Illinois.

Recent home explosions

The region has seen multiple home explosions in recent years linked to digging incidents, including blasts in O’Fallon, Jefferson County and Glendale.