A house explosion in Centreville on Sunday night led to the evacuation of over 50 residents from their homes as emergency crews worked to address a subsequent gas leak. The incident occurred around 9:48 p.m. on the 14300 block of Quail Pond Court, where multiple callers reported a loud explosion and flames consuming the home.
As of Monday afternoon, more than 50 people were still displaced, down from 65 homes that Washington Gas identified as being evacuated for safety reasons. Fire department crews spent the day assisting residents in retrieving essential belongings and assessing when they might safely return home.
While the cause of the explosion remains under investigation, authorities have yet to determine whether it is linked directly to the reported gas leak. Fire officials confirmed that another home next door was also affected but that firefighters contained the flames quickly, allowing the residents to escape unharmed.
Two individuals sustained minor injuries as a result of the incident—an elderly man from the explosion site and a neighbor. Both were treated at the hospital and have since been released.
Washington Gas personnel are actively supporting the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department onsite, utilizing heavy machinery to locate the source of the gas leak. The neighborhood is served by multiple natural gas lines, and if the leak is traced to a smaller pipe, residents may be able to return home within a day. Conversely, if the leak involves a larger line, the process could extend several days.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated an investigation into the explosion, as such incidents fall under its purview. They expressed gratitude for the first responders’ efforts and confirmed their ongoing cooperation with all relevant agencies.
Washington Gas has issued a safety reminder to residents: if anyone smells natural gas, they should leave the area immediately and contact their emergency line or 911. Ongoing checks for gas presence in surrounding homes are being conducted, but crews will need to excavate approximately ten feet underground to effectively halt the leak.
As the investigation continues, the community’s resilience and support for one another remain strong. Residents impacted by the explosion can find comfort in the swift response of emergency services and the cooperative efforts of local agencies to ensure safety and recovery.