Gas Leak Found, Repaired Following Centreville Home Explosion

CENTREVILLE, VA — Officials on Tuesday said they have identified and repaired a gas leak that forced dozens of Centreville residents from their homes following last week's house explosion.

Crews spent days working to find the source of the leak following the Feb. 15 explosion in the 14300 block of Quail Pond Court in Centreville. Initially, more than 50 residences on Belle Plains Drive, Buggy Whip Drive and Quail Pond Court were evacuated following the explosion.

In an update, the National Transportation Safety Board, which is leading the investigation, said investigators identified a section of polyethylene plastic pipe near the corner of Quail Pond Court and Belle Plains Drive that leaked air during pressure testing.

According to the NTSB, investigators and Washington Gas crews conducted additional pressure testing of the surrounding pipes in the area and found no evidence of additional leaks.

"After completing multiple pressure tests, we gradually reintroduced gas into the system and conducted a leak survey at each stage," Washington Gas said in a statement.

On Tuesday, Washington Gas said it was preparing to restore gas service to homes in the area of the explosion.

"This is not a lifting of the evacuation order, but we are getting one step closer to allowing you to return home," the company said.

According to officials, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue received multiple calls shortly before 10 p.m. on the night of the explosion, reporting a loud noise and a home fully engulfed in flames. One person who was inside the home escaped with only minor injuries, NBC Washington previously reported. Another person in a neighboring home also suffered a minor injury.

While the official cause of the explosion hasn't been determined, NTSB officials said the agency will likely release a preliminary report about 30 days from the date of the incident.

Since the explosion, many of the evacuated residents have been allowed to return home; however, Washington Gas said 19 homes are still under evacuation.

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department will host a virtual Town Hall Meeting on Thursday to provide the community with updated information regarding the recent incident in Centreville. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. and will offer residents an opportunity to hear the latest updates, learn about ongoing response and recovery efforts, and ask questions. A link to the meeting will be distributed on Thursday.