Community begins to heal weeks after deadly home explosion
LEXINGTON, Mo. (KCTV) - Nearly two weeks after a deadly house explosion, the Lexington community is starting to heal.
Jacob Cunningham and his 10-year-old daughter, Cami, suffered severe burns and other injuries when their house exploded on April 9. Five-year-old Alistair died from his injuries.
Anna Howes, a local hairstylist at Serendipity, said everyone is grieving differently. A lot of people still don’t want to talk about what happened.
“Definitely tense would be a word for it,” Howes said.
Howes said they were without hot water for a week as the city shut off the gas.
In a statement on Tuesday, a spokesperson for Liberty Utilities told KCTV5, “Liberty has completed its emergency service restoration efforts in Lexington and has returned to standard operating conditions. Crews worked through the weekend and holiday and remain available to respond to customers who were not home to receive our crews over the last week and a half or who must make repairs to customer-owned gas lines or appliances to safely receive gas service. Customers who need their gas meters turned on, along with their natural gas appliances checked for safety, should call our Customer Care phone number at 1-800-424-0427 to schedule a home visit. We extend our deepest thanks to the Lexington community for their patience and during our service restoration efforts.”
Out of all the heartache, Howes said it’s reassuring to see the community come together in the midst of such tragedy.
“Life is short,” Howes said. “What I have learned from it is how much you really need people. You really need to come together as one, to really just help everyone in need.”
Some local businesses like Riverside Nutrition are doing what they can to help the family.
“We want to help in any way we possibly can,” said employee Jordan Heber.
Heber said they’re offering Spider-Man drinks and fruit bowls in honor of Alistair, as Spider-Man was his favorite superhero.
“A portion of every tea sold on this fundraiser menu will go straight back to the family,” Heber said.
KCTV5 asked city officials for an update as the community begins to heal. In a statement, the city said, “We’re encouraged by the outpouring of for those affected by the events of April 9. Seeing the community come together in difficult times is a testament to the spirit of the City of Lexington.”
On Monday, the Cunningham family filed a personal injury and wrongful death lawsuit against four companies currently under investigation for their roles in the incident.
The NTSB is still investigating the explosion.
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