Emergency crews in Lexington are continuing to respond to an explosion that occurred Wednesday, April 9 after a gas main was struck.

City officials report that the explosion occurred around 7:45 p.m. behind a funeral home on 18th Street between Franklin and South streets, after a subcontractor hit a gas line. The explosion caused substantial damage to nearby houses, with multiple agencies responding to the scene. The public is asked to avoid the area to allow emergency responders to do their job.

Gas service was shut off to Lexington residents overnight and remains off Thursday morning. Residents are advised to check all their pilot lights to ensure they are in working order. Anyone with questions about their pilot lights can contact Liberty Gas.

KMMO will have updates as they become available.