HINTON, Iowa (KTIV) -
A Le Mars, Iowa construction company faces big fines from the state of Iowa and a big lawsuit from a gas company. That's after a massive explosion in a Plymouth County farm field.
The blast opened up a big hole in the earth and the fireball could be seen for miles.
On April 25th, authorities say two employees of DeRocher Construction of rural Le Mars, Iowa, were using a tractor and tile plow to put down drainage tile in a farm field.
That's when they ruptured a 24 inch natural gas line. The gas ignited, forcing flames to shoot 300 feet into the air.
Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller said, "They heard a hissing noise and started to run and escaped. Near where they were, the construction equipment was blown into the air and dropped."
The blast left a crater 100 feet long and 30 feet deep. According to pipeline owner Northern Natural Gas, the fire it caused burned at least 80 acres.
The two workers, Chris DeRocher and Jacob Brown were both hurt. They were released from the hospital a few days later.
Iowa's Attorney General says it could have been avoided if DeRocher Construction contacted Iowa One Call to find out what's underground.
"Natural gas, hazardous liquid, all kinds of communications, electricity, cable TV and the things that might be buried under the earth that we don't want accidentally disturbed," said Miller.
The state is fining DeRocher Construction $20,000, the maximum penalty allowed for violating state law requiring notification before you dig. $10,000 is for the Hinton blast and another $10,000 is for what Miller said was a second incident a week later.
"Fortunately there was no catastrophe there, no pipeline broken, but it was a case that we thought was particularly unusual given what they'd been through just a week earlier," he said.
Miller said DeRocher Construction has agreed to pay the fines. John DeRocher, owner of DeRocher Construction, declined to comment on the fines.
Since 1993, it's been the law in Iowa to call before you dig. 48-hour notice is required. Iowa One Call is designed to prevent people from damaging hidden pipelines and cables.
"It's important that all Iowans understand that even the most simple tasks such as pounding a stake into the ground, doing activities in landscaping in your own backyard. These are activities that constitute excavation under Iowa law," said Ben Booth, Manager of Public Relations, Communications for Iowa One Call.
When you need to dig, for any reason, call the number 811, first. That will connect you with your local "One Call Center."
Tell the operator where you're planning to dig, what type of work you will be doing, and your local utilities companies will be notified about your intent to dig.
In a few days, they'll mark the location of underground lines, pipes and cables, so you'll know what's below and be able to dig safely.
