A gas explosion in Southeast D.C. rocked Marion Barry Avenue SE, destroying a convenience store on Thursday morning. The incident caused minor injuries to one person struck by flying debris and prompted the urgent evacuation of over a dozen toddlers from a nearby daycare, along with numerous workers from adjacent buildings. Firefighters successfully extinguished the ensuing blaze by 3:45 p.m., according to Fire Chief John Donnelly.
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Immediate Response and Evacuations
Following a report of a gas leak around 9:30 a.m., first responders swiftly arrived on the scene. Recognizing the severity, they initiated immediate evacuations as attempts to fix the leak proved futile. Daycare workers efficiently evacuated 16 children, aged 2 and 3, less than 30 minutes before the explosion occurred. The subsequent blast shattered windows and ignited a fire in the upper story of the Baby Einstein Child Development Center. A second explosion leveled the neighboring Dan Akil Convenience Store.
Gas Leak Origin and Response Challenges
The gas leak appears linked to a car crashing into a gas meter outside the affected building, as stated by Chief Donnelly. Despite evacuations, the fire could not be extinguished until the gas supply was cut off. Washington Gas finally turned off the gas at approximately 12:50 p.m., more than three hours after the initial report. The company, in response to inquiries, emphasized its commitment to customer and community safety without providing specific details.
Concerns Raised by Advocates
Some environmental and public health advocates highlight the potential dangers associated with the widespread use of methane gas, citing risks such as explosions, toxic leaks, and indoor air pollution. Washington Gas is amid a multi-billion-dollar, 40-year initiative to replace all gas pipes in D.C. Critics argue that the project does not prioritize addressing leaks and may impede the city’s transition to clean energy.
Gas Explosion In Southeast D.C : Reactions from Advocates and Witnesses
Marie Therese Kane, an organizer with We Power DC, expressed concern over gas explosions and urged utilities to prioritize people over profits. Kane criticized the D.C. Public Service Commission for allowing inefficient projects, such as Project Pipes, to proceed despite knowledge of their limitations in addressing dangerous leaks.
Witnesses, including Andre Campbell, a Department of Housing employee evacuated from a nearby building, described the explosion as reminiscent of movie scenes, emphasizing the terror of witnessing such an event.
As the debris-clearing efforts continued into the night, officials assessed the impact on businesses and residences around the explosion site. Some businesses faced varying degrees of damage, and several lost gas service and power. Clint Osborn, Interim Director of the D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, highlighted the priority of restoring utility services to affected customers, particularly given the impending freezing temperatures.
Businesses Affected and Community Support
The convenience store owner and chef Darrell Gatson of Kitchen Savages expressed sentiments of community support, emphasizing the store’s positive impact on the neighborhood. Despite the challenges, there is hope for the affected businesses to rebuild and resume operations. Gatson and other residents voiced their desire to see the convenience store return, highlighting the contributions it made to the community.
The gas explosion in Southeast D.C. has left a trail of destruction, with immediate evacuations and challenges in containing the blaze. The incident raises questions about gas safety measures and infrastructure projects, while the affected community faces the daunting task of rebuilding and recovering from the aftermath.