Lexington stops fiber optic work after 2 gas lines hit, months after fatal blast
City officials in Lexington, Missouri, have ordered the stop of fiber optic cable work after two gas lines were struck within 24 hours this week.
Residents were left frustrated and fearful when two gas leaks led to evacuations in the Indian Hills neighborhood Thursday and Friday. The Lexington Police Department said in a statement that the leaks were caused when fiber optics installers struck unmarked gas lines.
After an outcry of frustration from people who live in Lexington, the city said in a statement that it ordered a stop of all fiber optic work and underground boring until further notice.
“The administration assures the residents of Lexington that the city is taking all available measures to ensure the safety of its citizens,” the city said in a Facebook post Friday.
Repairs were made to the gas lines and no injuries were reported as a result of the leaks Thursday and Friday.
According to the city, Liberty Utilities gave residents the all clear to return to their homes around 12:30 p.m. Friday.
Residents said the gas leaks this week brought back fresh memories of a fatal home explosion in April, when 5-year-old Alistair Lamb was killed. The boy’s death sparked community criticism and people claiming his death could have been prevented if proper alerts were in place.
Lawsuits also allege Liberty Utilities and construction companies failed to mark gas lines properly and respond to the leak in time, resulting in the boys death, severe injuries and property damage.
Liberty Utilities issued a statement Friday about gas lines being hit two consecutive days.
“Thank you to first responders and our crews in Lexington for acting quickly after two recent occurrences of below-ground damage to gas service lines,” the statement said. “Safety is our #1 priority and we are working with local officials and contractors in Lexington to reinforce safe digging practices. Remember: Call 811 before you dig — it’s free and it keeps our community safe.”
In social media posts about the gas leaks this week, Lexington officials urged people to sign up for text and email alerts for citywide information via a form on the city website.
Residents call on city leaders to take action
In a phone call Friday morning, Lexington resident Krystin Wieland said she scrambled to contact city officials and the utility company after the gas lines were hit.
She shared her concerns and, among other Lexington residents, pleaded with them to take action. Hours later, the city said in a statement it ordered a halt of the fiber optic work.
Another resident, Thomas Hardin Jr., 28, said in a text Friday that seeing notifications about gas leaks makes him worry for his family’s safety.
“I think the city and the gas company that service the town need to prioritize finding and marking gas lines,” Hardin said. “And also, these fiber optic companies that come out need to survey or have someone come check before they start digging. It’s apparent that there’s a lot of negligence and it’s unacceptable.”
The city said in a statement Friday that the fiber optic work would be halted “until further notice.” City officials did not immediately respond Saturday for comment about what needs to happen before the work can continue.
According to residents who live in the Indian Hills neighborhood, multiple internet companies had been working to install fiber in Lexington.
This story was originally published September 27, 2025 at 11:21 AM.
