Digging dangers: Why underground utility damage is on the rise

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (InvestigateTV) - We rely on natural gas and electricity every day to heat and light our homes. But one mistake underground can turn an energy source into an instant threat.In 2024, the country saw more than 83,000 reports of damage to gas and electrical lines. One in four of those damage reports were because people failed to call 811.That number connects you to a free, national service designed to prevent damage to utility lines by marking where they are located. Calling 811 is required by law.In January, Molly Krummenacher came home to find her hot water heater and dryer on fire, water spewing like a fountain after an excavator hit her electric line.“It’s just sheer panic and disbelief,” she said.AT T was in the area to install fiber optic internet, but hired subcontractor USIC to mark the electric lines. Molly said there was no flag or marking for the electrical line.The incident caused a surge that turned neutral wires into live wires, resulting in $20,000 in damage.