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WASHINGTON — Firefighters and hazardous materials teams are responding to a reported explosion at an apartment building in Northwest D.C.
DC Fire and EMS crews responded to a gas explosion in the 1400 block of Columbia Road NW. First responders say the explosion happened on the third floor of a four-story apartment building with visible damage on the floor. The building is currently being evacuated, according to firefighters.
At least one person is injured, but the severity of those injuries is not yet known. Additional details have not yet been made public.
Earlier this year, gas explosion demolished a convenience store in Southeast D.C., badly damaging the child care center next door. All the children, between the ages of 2 months and 4 years, and their caretakers were safely evacuated just minutes before the explosion.
Update Box Alarm 1400 block Columbia Rd NW. Gas to building secured. 1 adult female transported in serious condition. No other injuries. Building evacuated. Hazmat metering for any remaining gas. Collapse Task Force enroute for further structural evaluation. #DCsBravest pic.twitter.com/E43DgNZJZz
— DC Fire and EMS Department (DCFD) (@dcfireems) September 20, 2024Looking at 2022 data from the Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration, there were 629 total pipeline incidents across the country. 265 of those were deemed "significant" because someone died, or due to the amount of damage caused.
Of those significant incidents, 40.4% were due to material, welding or equipment failure. About 23% were due to corrosion, and 4.4% were caused by a vehicle.
Is it not yet clear what caused the explosion on Friday.
We are working to gather more details. Stay with WUSA9 for updates as they come in to our newsroom.
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