National Harbor Gas Leak Temporarily Closes Area: Officials

OXON HILL, MD — Officials said a gas leak temporarily shut down the National Harbor on Sunday. First responders noted that they sealed the scene around 8:03 a.m. after hearing that a construction worker hit a 4 to 6-inch gas line near Waterfront Street and Fleet Street.

The Prince George's County Police Department explained that it closed the National Harbor Boulevard and Interstate 495 entrances to the district. Officers only let residents into the town, an incident report advised.

Firefighters added that they did not find any gas inside the nearest hotel, but guests still sheltered in place. Crews informed that they turned off the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system just to be safe. The building closest to the ruptured pipe was unoccupied, officials informed.

The leak interrupted reservations for the harbor's animatronic dinosaur exhibit, called Dino Safari. Affected guests can use their tickets any time before the display leaves town on Sunday, April 11.

The Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department reported that the National Harbor reopened to visitors by 12:51 p.m. Work continued near the broken line, officials concluded.

Alert: Utility crews on scene. Only residents are allowed into the National Harbor. Hotel guests are sheltering in place Closest building to the break is unoccupied. Crews shut down HVAC at nearest hotel. No gas readings detected inside. @dinosafariusa tix may be used till 4/11 https://t.co/wssALP3atJ
— National Harbor (@NationalHarbor) April 4, 2021

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