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The leak came from one of the three transmission lines running underground through the neighborhood. Crews are still working to pinpoint the source.
CENTREVILLE, Va. — Natural gas was seeping through the ground from a leak in one of the three transmission lines running through the neighborhood where a house exploded late Sunday night, officials said.
It happened just after 9:45 p.m. in the 14300 block of Quail Pond Court. Both Williams Pipeline Corporation and Washington Gas have lines in the area.
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue’s Assistant Chief of Operations Eric Craven addressed the media late Monday morning. Two people received minor injuries among the 31 impacted homes. One of the occupants of the house that exploded injured their leg but has since been released from the hospital. The other injured person was a neighbor.
“Right now, the gas companies are on scene as well as the state corporation commission, all regulatory agencies, to ensure everything is done in compliance with code,” said Craven. “They’re doing test holes to ensure that the propagation of that natural gas does not seep and expand into a further perimeter, as well as trying to pinpoint the exact leak on the exact line in the vicinity.”
Because the gas leak did not happen at a more common site like a meter, this gas leak is seeping through the ground, making it harder to track the source of the leak.
Twenty 911 calls were made reporting the explosion and gas leak at the time of the incident, according to Craven. A gas company was on the scene already at the time of the explosion.
As of Monday morning, officials are saying that 31 homes have been evacuated because they showed “action level” readings of natural gas. Fire crews are taking constant readings both inside and outside of homes to ensure gas levels do not escalate.
This explosion happened at the same time crews were working to extinguish a large house fire in Chantilly. Fairfax County Fire officials had enough crews to send over to Centreville to assist with the flames.
At around 5:40 a.m. on Monday, Washington Gas released a statement following the explosion:
“During the evening of February 15th, a fire was reported on the 14300 block of Quail Pond Court in Centreville, Virginia. Washington Gas crews are on scene supporting the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. We thank the first responders who are on scene for their bravery and hard work.
Washington Gas will continue to cooperate with all relevant agencies.
At Washington Gas, safety is our top priority. As a reminder, if you smell natural gas, leave the area immediately and call the Washington Gas emergency line at 844‑WASHGAS (844‑927‑4427) or 911 from a safe location.”
Crews are also working to drill test holes to pinpoint the exact leak source. The fire department will maintain of presence on the scene until the leak is found and remedied. Residents are advised to call 911 immediately if they smell natural gas or abnormal odor.
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