Source Of Gas Leak Remains Unknown Following Centreville Home Explosion

Updated at 6:30 p.m.

CENTREVILLE, VA — Authorities have discovered a loss of pressure in a gas pipeline near the site of last weekend's home explosion in Centreville that prompted an investigation by federal authorities and the ongoing evacuation of dozens of nearby residences, according to a report.

At a news conference held on Wednesday afternoon, officials said the discovery in a Washington Gas line located in the 5200 block of Belle Plains Drive brought authorities a step closer to identifying the source of the leak, NBC Washington reported. However, residents who were evacuated will have to wait at least another 48 hours to re-enter their homes.

Shortly before 10 p.m. on Sunday, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue responded to reports of a house fire in the 14300 block of Quail Pond Court in Centreville. According to officials, the agency received multiple calls reporting a loud explosion 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.

More than 50 residences on Belle Plains Drive, Buggy Whip Drive and Quail Pond Court were evacuated following the explosion, which was likely fueled by a natural gas leak, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.

In an update shared on Tuesday night, the Fairfax County Department of Emergency Management and Security said crews were still working to stabilize the area and locate the gas leak that caused the explosion.

NTSB investigators were also on site to determine the cause of the explosion, officials said. Washington Gas is assisting with the investigation.

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

As of Tuesday night, Fairfax County fire officials said the evacuation area remained unchanged. Washington Gas said it planned to provide hotel accommodations or hotel reimbursement for residents impacted by the evacuations.

"Residents should plan to be out of their homes for the next 24–72 hours as a precaution while crews continue stabilization efforts," county officials said Tuesday.

At a town hall meeting held on Tuesday, officials said natural gas levels both inside and outside the homes closest to the incident site have been decreasing, NBC Washington reported. As a result, about 10 families were allowed back into their homes on Tuesday night.

Witnesses to the accident or anyone who may have surveillance video or other information that could be relevant to the investigation should contact the NTSB at witness@ntsb.gov.

Anyone wishing to receive ongoing updates about this incident should sign up for text alerts by texting FFXIncident to 888-777.