# Digging dangers: Why underground utility damage is on the rise

> Over 83,000 utility damage reports in 2024 as digging accidents rise.
- Title: Digging dangers: Why underground utility damage is on the rise
- Summary: Over 83,000 utility damage reports in 2024 as digging accidents rise. Molly Krummenacher's home was damaged by an excavator hitting her electrical line…
- Keywords: molly krummenacher, 811 service, common ground alliance, at&t, usic, utility damage, fiber optic internet, underground utilities, digging incidents, news, local, Digging
- Source: Valleynewslive — https://valleynewslive.com/2026/10/09/digging-dangers-why-underground-utility-damage-is-rise
- Published: 2026-10-09T13:31:32.279+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: molly krummenacher, 811 service, common ground alliance, at&t, usic, utility damage, fiber optic internet, underground utilities, digging incidents, news, local
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Molly Krummenacher's home was damaged by an excavator hitting her electrical line, causing $20,000 in damage and a surge that turned neutral wires live.