Haymarket house explosion: What Prince William County fire marshals know so far

HAYMARKET, Va. ( DC News Now ) — A house exploded in Haymarket on Tuesday evening, sending debris flying after a contractor struck a gas line, according to Prince William County fire officials.

In an update Wednesday afternoon, Matt Smolsky, Assistant Chief of the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue, detailed what they know so far about what caused the explosion.

At around 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday, fire units were dispatched to the home in the 5900 block of Coby Hunt Court for a reported gas leak outside. Officials said a private contractor was replacing a water line to the home when they struck a natural gas line, prompting the leak.

Responders arrived about 10 minutes after receiving the call and found a 2-inch gas line damaged and leaking. Washington Gas was immediately requested for assistance, and residents in the nearby area were evacuated. Crews from the gas company arrived shortly after.

At about 5:36 p.m., while the leak was still active, the home exploded.

Jarrett Struniak, the homeowner, said he lost his two cats and a dog and is going to “take it one day at a time.” Six people, including his wife, daughter, friend and their fiance and their child were living in the home.

No injuries were reported.

“Natural gas is lighter than air and will travel through any possible avenue. At some point the gas reached an ignition source and the explosion occurred. There are multiple possible ignition sources that could have contributed to the event. Miss Utility had been contacted prior to the construction,” Smolsky explained.

The explosion disrupted the natural gas service for the neighboring eight homes. Officials said gas service may be restored to the impacted homes later Wednesday evening.

On Tuesday night, all residents were allowed to return to their homes except for the occupants of the destroyed house, who are being assisted by the Red Cross.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the scene is still being studied to possibly identify the ignition source.

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