A natural gas explosion at an apartment building in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of D.C. left a woman seriously injured on Friday morning, according to fire officials. The incident led to the evacuation of the four-story apartment building located at 1433 Columbia Road Northwest, with firefighters shutting off the gas supply after discovering the woman in serious condition.
Witnesses reported seeing the woman emerge from the building with burns on her arms and face, with her clothes singed. She was quickly taken to a hospital for treatment. Neighbors recounted hearing the explosion, which caused damage to the woman’s kitchen and sent debris flying out of her third-floor window, including an air conditioning unit, glass shards, and blankets.
Residents in the building described the incident as sounding like a bomb going off. One resident, Angel Requeno, shared his experience of hearing the blast and rushing upstairs with a fire extinguisher to help. He mentioned that the scene inside the apartment was like something out of a horror movie, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Fortunately, there were no other injuries reported, and fire officials confirmed that the explosion was accidental. The building was closed by the D.C. Department of Buildings, and the Red Cross stepped in to assist the 110 residents with essential supplies and shelter. The extent of the damage to the building is currently unknown, with a collapse task force assessing the structural integrity.
Residents have been advised that they cannot return until a licensed plumber inspects the interior gas lines for safety. Metro buses were stationed nearby to provide a temporary shelter for residents while emergency services were on-site. The fire department and hazmat team worked diligently to ensure the area was safe and secure.
As the investigation continues, residents are urged to stay updated on the situation through News4 for the latest developments. The community has come together to support those affected by the gas explosion, highlighting the importance of safety measures in residential buildings to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.