DCEMS/X
Multiple explosionsrocked several buildingsalong the 1200 block of Marion Barry Avenue in the Anacostia neighborhood following agas leakat a building, according to a series of social media updates from D.C. Fire and EMS.
Although the leak was found quickly, crews soon learned that it was out of their control, Donnelly said, forcing the adjacent buildings to be immediately evacuated, including 16 kids in a daycare next door to the leak.
Daycare staff were already clothing kids and putting them in strollers when crews arrived andbegan to clear outthe buildings, Lieutenant Ryan Bolton told reporters, per FOX affiliate WTTG.
All 16 kids were safely evacuated moments before the first explosion, Donnelly said during the press conference, noting that all of them have since been reunited with their families.
“I think we’re very lucky today,” Bowser added after viewing the damage.
Bolton said crews heard the leak almost immediately upon arrival. “The gas was very noticeable,” he told reporters. “You could hear it leaking as well as smell it from the street.”
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The two-story building where the gas leak occurred exploded about 25 minutes after the first 911 call was placed, according to Donnelly. Bolton said crews were on scene for about 15 minutes before the first explosion occurred.
One of the two major explosions knocked out windows on the second floor of the building where the leak occurred and caused a flash fire, the fire chief said. The other explosion leveled a convenience store adjacent to the leak.
One person was hospitalized with minor, non life-threatening injuries sustained when they came in contact with debris from the explosion while walking on the street, Donnelley said.
In a statement to PEOPLE, Washington Gas said it “is aware of the explosion.” The utility added, ”Our personnel are assisting [D.C. Fire] at the scene. As always, the safety of our customers and community is our top priority. We are supporting the active response to the incident and do not have further details to share at this time.”
Bowser, meanwhile, thanked the fire department for responding with “urgency” to Thursday’s emergency. “We are just grateful to the firefighters for making that necessary and quick decision to remove everyone,” she added.
source: people.com
