On July 10, 2018, the town of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin changed forever. A mismarked gas main ruptured during a 5G fiberoptic cable installation which caused a massive explosion on the town’s Main Street. Fire Captain Cory Barr was killed, multiple businesses were destroyed and dozens of families lost their homes.

In the twenty-ninth edition of the Digging Dangers series, Good Intentions takes a hard-hitting look at a wide variety of accidents caused by incompetence or negligence. The second video features an extended investigation into the Sun Prairie explosion through eye witness interviews. Both serve as a critical reminder that poor practices and complacency can offset the best of intentions.

Inaction will never prevent a digging disaster. Taking the necessary steps to properly locate and mark underground utility lines will.

Whether you’re a professional excavator or a homeowner, it’s important to remember that striking a buried utility can result in losses of time, money, property and even life. Always call Gopher State One Call (GSOC) or file an online ticket a minimum of two business days ahead of time before starting all digging projects.

Digging Dangers 29

Part 1: Good Intentions
Watch a series of digging disasters caused by negligence, improper marking or complacency

Part 2: Sun Prairie Strong
Experience the incident and aftermath of the Sun Prairie explosion through interviews with residents.