Jerry Sickmeier and Lisa Jines were critically injured in a natural-gas explosion in their suburban St. Louis home Dec 7, 1986. Both sustained burns on 80% of their bodies and haven't worked since the explosion. Both sustained burns on over 80 percent of their bodies in the Dec. 7, 1986, explosion at their home in Cahokia, a St. Louis suburb. They alleged Illinois Power was negligent in allowing a natural-gas pipe to deteriorate until it ruptured. Gas from the pipe traveled through sewer lines into the home's utility room and was ignited by the hot-water heater pilot light. The couple sued for damages but settled out of court. Illinois Power agreed the day the trial was to begin to pay the couple $11.5 million.
Jerry Sickmeier and Lisa Jines were critically injured in a natural-gas explosion in their suburban St. Louis home Dec 7, 1986. Both sustained burns on 80% of their bodies and haven't worked since the explosion. They alleged Illinois Power was negligent in allowing a natural-gas pipe to deteriorate until it ruptured. Gas from the pipe traveled through sewer lines into the home's utility room and was ignited by the hot-water heater pilot light. The couple sued for damages but settled out of court. Illinois Power agreed the day the trial was to begin to pay the couple $11.5 million.