Fifteen minutes were the difference between property damage and a potential tragedy.
A building exploded in Southeast D.C. as crews responded to a report of a gas leak on Thursday morning. One man received minor injuries but 16 children in a nearby day care center were evacuated in time and are safe, authorities said.
The children were evacuated from Babi Einstein Child Development Center just 15 minutes before the powerful blast caught on video.
The explosion occurred in the 1200 block of Marion Barry Avenue SE, in the Anacostia neighborhood. A building that was home to a convenience store was leveled and two other buildings are damaged, including one with a transitional housing facility for women. DC Fire and EMS evacuated people from the building and neighboring buildings before the blast.
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Firefighters' fast thinking saved lives and averted tragedy, Mayor Muriel Bowser said.
“We’re grateful to the firefighters for making the necessary decision to get everyone out," she said.
“When I saw the building itself, my mouth fell open. If the children had been in that building, they would have very definitely been impacted," the mayor said.
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"I think we’re very lucky today," she added, thanking DC Fire and EMS for getting the children out of the day care in time.
"The potential for severe injuries was high, but again, having arrived here in time to make an evacuation, I think we probably avoided any number of possible serious injuries," DC Fire and EMS spokesman Vito Maggiolo said live on News4.
The day care center owner also was commended for having an emergency plan and executing it fast and flawlessly, potentially saving the lives of every child and employee.
Crews’ urgency likely also saved lives at Calvary Women’s Services' housing facility, Heather Laing of the nonprofit said.
“I know that the actions of the emergency personnel this morning saved the lives of the women in our program, so we’re incredibly grateful,” she said.
'The building just exploded'
Firefighters got a call at 9:30 a.m. for a gas leak at the meter of the building that would explode. They quickly determined they couldn’t stop the leak. They contacted Washington Gas and began evacuations, with help from the day care staff to get children in their coats and outside fast.
“The gas was very noticeable. You could hear it leaking as well as smell it from the street,” Lt. Ryan Bolton of DC Fire and EMS said.
Within 15 minutes of emergency crews’ arrival, the explosion occurred.
“The building just exploded,” someone can be heard saying on a dispatch call.
A man suffered minor injuries after he was hit outside by flying debris. He was taken to a hospital. The force of the blast blew out windows at the day care.
News4 footage shows firefighters working to put out flames. Bricks and rubble crashed onto the street and sidewalk.
Smoke could be seen from miles away.
Calvary Women’s Services suffered heavy smoke and water damage. Thirty-six women had to be relocated and many lost all of their possessions.
The charity is accepting donations on its website, including gift cards so women can start to replace their lost belongings.
The organization helps women find ”safe housing, good health and financial independence,” its website says.
ANC Commissioner Robin McKinney said she rushed to the block to make sure children at the day care center were safe.
“They were able to rush all the children out,” she said.
Families were contacted, McKinney said. She said she hopes the children will have someplace to go on Friday so parents can go to work as usual. She thanked the day care operator.
“She’s been an excellent neighbor, and we just want to ensure that the babies are OK," she said.
The fire continued to burn and set off additional explosions. Washington Gas had the gas turned off by 1 p.m.
Firefighters believe a truck struck the meter and caused a leak, but an investigation is underway.
Long cleanup and recovery effort expected
The cleanup effort on the block is expected to be extensive.
Recovery priorities including relocating the day care center so it can resume its vital role in the community. The convenience store that was leveled also plays an important role in the neighborhood, which has fewer grocery opportunities than many other parts of the District.
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What to do if you smell natural gas
If you think you smell natural gas, leave the area and leave doors and windows open if you can, information from Washington Gas says.
Go someplace safe, call 911 and call the Washington Gas emergency line: 1-844-WASHGAS.
Don’t smoke or turn appliances or lights on.
“The most reliable sign of a natural gas leak is smell. Washington Gas adds an odorant called mercaptan to create the distinctive smell of sulfur or rotten eggs,” the utility says online.
About 18 power company customers in the area were without power. Anyone who needs help, especially amid frigid temperatures, is advised to call 311.
Stay with NBC Washington for more details on this developing story.
