This week in Sellersburg, Indiana, contractors installing fiber-optic infrastructure struck an underground utility line during construction. While no injuries were reported, the strike caused service disruptions for nearby homes and businesses, once again demonstrating how incomplete underground visibility can quickly turn routine work into community-wide impact.

Utility damage doesn’t stay contained to the job site. It ripples outward.

During fiber-optic installation, crews struck a buried utility line that was either missing from records or inaccurately documented. The strike interrupted service and required emergency response from utility crews, delaying both the project and other scheduled work.

Incidents like this rarely have a single cause. Common contributing factors include:

These are systemic issues—and they show up repeatedly in damage reports nationwide.

The consequences extended well beyond the excavation site:

One missed line can disrupt an entire community.

Visuals of the Week

The videos below are illustrative examples of utility strikes similar to those discussed in this report. While not footage from the specific incidents above, they demonstrate the scale and impact underground damage can cause when lines are missed.

Fiber / electrical line strike example:

Utility damage during excavation:

Verify before you dig. Every time.

Before excavation begins, cross-check multiple data sources—maps, field records, and digital utility models. Validation across systems reduces uncertainty, lowers risk, and keeps projects on schedule.

A similar incident occurred in Columbus, Ohio, where a water main was struck during roadwork, forcing emergency repairs and road closures.

Lesson: These events are not isolated. They’re symptoms of fragmented data and limited visibility.

The videos below are illustrative examples of utility strikes similar to those discussed in this report. While not footage from the specific incidents above, they demonstrate the scale and impact underground damage can cause when lines are missed.

Water main break impact:

Source:
https://abc6onyourside.com/news/local/high-street-closed-in-worthington-due-to-major-water-break-larrimer-avenue-traffic

Utility strikes affect far more than construction schedules:

Understanding what lies underground isn’t just technical—it’s foundational to protecting communities.

Prevention is always more effective than response.

Accurate underground data, validated records, and clear visibility reduce risk before work begins. Every project—no matter the size—benefits from better information and smarter planning.

SiteTwin helps teams understand what’s below the surface before they break ground.