A series of gas explosions in Washington wreaked havoc on Thursday morning, leading to the destruction of a convenience store and leaving one person injured. The incident unfolded in the historic neighborhood of Anacostia, prompting swift response from D.C. Fire and EMS.
The emergency services received a report of an outside gas leak around 9:30 a.m., and Fire Chief John Donnelly explained in a press conference that crews arrived on the scene within minutes. The gas leak emanated from a damaged meter outside a local business, triggering the evacuation of adults and 16 children from neighboring establishments.
Donnelly emphasized that the gas leak was beyond the control of first responders, prompting a call for assistance from Washington Gas. The collaboration aimed to contain the leak and manage the ensuing fire. The firefighting efforts continued into the morning, with D.C. Fire and EMS monitoring the scene on “fire watch” and standing ready to address any smoldering materials or flare-ups. Crews eventually left the scene after a thorough assessment.
The cause of the gas leak was attributed to a vehicle striking the gas meter during what Donnelly described as “normal operations.” However, the incident remained under investigation, and further details were awaited.
The explosions occurred in rapid succession, with the first blast happening approximately 25 minutes after the initial 911 call. This explosion shattered the windows of a two-story building, causing a flash fire and necessitating additional fire crews. A second explosion followed shortly after at a nearby convenience store, resulting in the complete collapse of the structure.
The 16 children present at a daycare in one of the affected buildings were successfully evacuated and reunited with their families. Donnelly commended the first responders and daycare operators for their exemplary efforts in ensuring the safety of the children. Despite initial reports indicating everyone in the area was accounted for, D.C. Fire and EMS personnel conducted a thorough sweep of the buildings for confirmation.
One person sustained minor injuries from flying debris and was transported to a local hospital. While the current condition of the injured individual remains unclear, there have been no other reported injuries. Three buildings, including the daycare and convenience store, suffered varying degrees of damage.
Mayor Muriel Bowser, who received a briefing and personally assessed the damage caused by the gas leak, expressed gratitude for the swift response of the firefighters. Bowser acknowledged the severity of the situation, noting that the building where the primary explosion occurred was leveled. The adjacent building, which housed the daycare on the ground floor, experienced significant damage on the upper floor.
Reflecting on the potential impact on the children had they been in the building during the explosion, Bowser remarked, “If the children had been in the building, they would have definitely been impacted by that explosion.” She praised the fire department’s quick and decisive action in evacuating everyone involved, emphasizing the city’s gratitude for what was considered a fortunate outcome.
In the aftermath of the gas explosions, the incident underscored the importance of coordinated emergency responses and the dedication of first responders in ensuring public safety during unforeseen events. The ongoing investigation will provide further insights into the cause and circumstances surrounding the gas leak, offering valuable lessons for future preventative measures.