Worker cuts gas line at Sikeston home

SIKESTON, Mo. -- A backhoe operator severed a natural gas line creating what Sikeston Department of Public Safety officials described as an "extremely dangerous" situation Tuesday afternoon.

At approximately 3:15 p.m. Tuesday, the Sikeston Department of Public Safety received a call of a natural gas fire at a vacant home at 630 Lanning St.

"Officers learned a worker who was renovating the house severed the gas line while operating a backhoe in the backyard. A small trash fire in the backyard quickly ignited the pressurized gas," Sgt. Jim McMillen said. The pressurized gas was emitting a fireball higher than 15 feet into the air, according to McMillen, who added the worker was not injured in the incident.

Atmos Energy technicians were called to the scene. According to McMillen, workers were able to select two points to cap the dual-fed gas line from a safe distance, extinguishing the fire.

In a news release, McMillen noted natural gas lines can be easily ruptured or damaged during any excavating or digging project because some gas lines are made of PVC or poly-type materials that make them vulnerable to even the common

shovel.

"Anyone who plans to dig anywhere needs to call "811" or 1-800-DIG-RITE," McMillen said. "This is Missouri's One Call System that will ensure you don't dig into any utilities."

By calling at least two business days before digging, a utility worker will arrive to mark where utilities are.

"This free service could save you a lot of money and possibly even your life," McMillen said. "Most people don't realize that if they are careless they may be held liable for any disruption in utilities and be forced to pay for any damages and/or losses incurred by the utility company."

Pertinent address:

630 Lanning St., Sikeston, MO