March 5th, 2026 Local News
Imperial, Mo. (KFMO) - A home in Imperial was destroyed Tuesday afternoon after a gas line was struck in a subdivision in Jefferson County.
The explosion happened on White Haven Court in Imperial. According to the Rock Community Fire Protection District, crews were first dispatched to the area after a 911 call reported a gas leak. Firefighters arrived and evacuated a mother and four young children from the home.
About five minutes later, a powerful explosion leveled much of the structure. The front of the home collapsed into the driveway, and debris covered a vehicle parked outside. Windows in two neighboring homes were blown out by the force of the blast.
Fire officials say a crew burying fiber optic cable struck a gas line, leading to the leak. Authorities confirmed that five people had been inside the home but were able to get out safely before the explosion. No injuries were reported. However, two cats that were inside the house are believed to have died.
In a statement, Spire Inc. said it was notified that a third-party excavator working for another utility hit a gas line in the subdivision. The company said it took immediate action and worked with the Rock Community Fire Protection District to evacuate nearby homes and stop the leak. Spire stated that after the line was struck, gas migrated into a home and the explosion occurred.
Spire indicated that initial reports show no injuries and stated it is working with investigators to determine exactly what happened.
A spokesperson for AT&T said a subcontractor was working in the area at the time. The company stated that once the damage was discovered, the local gas provider was notified. AT&T said its preliminary findings suggest the damage may have been related to inaccurate underground utility markings, noting that utility locations had been marked by a third-party contractor for another utility.
The Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating.