A building exploded in Southeast D.C. following a report of a gas leak, highlighting the thin line between property damage and potential tragedy. Fortunately, the fast response of emergency crews led to the evacuation of 16 children from a nearby day care center just 15 minutes before the blast. One man suffered minor injuries, and although the building housing a convenience store was leveled, two other buildings were damaged.
The incident occurred in the 1200 block of Marion Barry Avenue SE, in the Anacostia neighborhood. DC Fire and EMS swiftly evacuated people from the affected and neighboring buildings before the explosion, showcasing the firefighters’ quick thinking that saved lives and prevented a more significant tragedy, according to Mayor Muriel Bowser.
Expressing gratitude to the firefighters for their decisive actions, Mayor Bowser emphasized the potential impact on the children had they remained in the building that was ultimately destroyed. The DC Fire and EMS spokesman, Vito Maggiolo, highlighted the high potential for severe injuries and credited the timely evacuation for likely avoiding serious harm.
The sequence of events began with a 9:30 a.m. call for a gas leak at the meter of the building that eventually exploded. Firefighters, realizing they couldn’t stop the leak, promptly contacted Washington Gas and initiated evacuations. Within 15 minutes of their arrival, the building exploded. A man outside suffered minor injuries from flying debris.
An investigation is underway, but initial reports suggest a truck struck the meter, causing the leak. The fire, fueled by the gas, continued to burn and triggered additional explosions. Washington Gas successfully turned off the gas by 1 p.m. Smoke from the incident was visible from miles away, emphasizing the intensity of the explosion.
Despite the property damage and ongoing investigations, the focus remains on the successful evacuation of the children and the efforts of emergency responders. Families of the evacuated children were promptly contacted, and community leaders expressed gratitude to the day care operator for her role in ensuring the safety of the children. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of swift and coordinated responses in emergency situations.