SUN PRAIRIE (WKOW) — A group of Sun Prairie residents has filed a civil suit to recover losses they say they incurred during the gas main explosion a year ago that killed a firefighter and leveled a large portion of downtown.

Nine homeowners filed the suit Aug. 2 in Dane County Circuit Court against contractors VC Tech, Bear Communications, Verizon, WE Energies and USIC Locating Services.

The plaintiffs claim that the explosion caused substantial damage to dozens of buildings, including their homes as well as causing loss and damage to their personal property, according to a complaint filed in court.

The plaintiffs say they have been forced to relocate and have incurred additional living expenses and have had to find alternative living arrangements.

The lawsuit seeks damages in an amount to be determined to reasonably compensate the plaintiffs for the harm and damages suffered.

It also seeks punitive damages as well as court costs.