The search for the source of a gas leak continues in the Centreville, Virginia neighborhood where a house explosion occurred on Sunday night, resulting in injuries to at least two individuals. Fire crews from Fairfax County responded to reports of a loud explosion followed by a house fire in the 14300 block of Quail Pond Court around 9:45 p.m.
Officials report that the injuries sustained by the two victims, one of whom was inside the house at the time of the blast, are not life-threatening. The incident led to the evacuation of dozens of families in the area as investigators work diligently to identify the gas leak’s origin.
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue officials have remained on the scene to aid gas companies in their search and support the National Transportation Safety Board’s ongoing investigation. Assistant Chief of Operations Eric Craven noted that utility crews are concentrating their efforts and gradually refining the area of investigation.
Prior to the explosion, neighbors reported a smell of gas, prompting heightened concerns in the community. Fire officials are conducting door-to-door checks to measure gas levels, and specific roads have been blocked off as a precaution. As of Tuesday afternoon, 46 homes were declared unsafe and 82 residences lost natural gas service. Craven mentioned that although there is a residual gas odor in the area, most of the service has been eliminated, indicating that the gas may have been in the soil prior to the incident.
In the vicinity of the explosion, there are five gas transmission lines managed by Washington Gas and Williams Pipeline Corporation. Washington Gas is currently investigating multiple sites to identify which line may be responsible for the leak. Craven explained that due to the complexity of the lines, utilities are conducting a systematic elimination process while ensuring safety protocols are observed.
The nature of the leaking gas line is critical. Craven stated that smaller pipelines carry less risk compared to larger ones, as a leakage from a major pipeline could necessitate wider evacuations. He estimated that if the leak originates from a larger line, the evacuation radius could expand to a quarter mile.
Residents have been informed that they may need to stay out of their homes for an additional 24 to 72 hours while utility companies identify and repair the leak. Fire officials are accommodating requests from evacuees to enter their homes to retrieve personal items, ensuring the atmosphere is safe for return.
In collaboration with local partners, the NTSB is also examining pipeline infrastructure to assess safety protocols and determine the probable cause of the explosion. They plan to hold a town hall meeting with residents to address concerns and provide updates on investigations.
As the community rallies together, fire officials have highlighted the importance of safety and support during this challenging time. The prompt response and continuous monitoring efforts demonstrate a commitment to ensuring residents are kept informed and safe as the investigation unfolds.