FAIRFAX STATION, VA — An SUV crashed into a gas line in Fairfax County on Wednesday morning, triggering a significant leak that forced the evacuation of a nearby elementary school and shopping center, authorities said.
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue crews responded to the area of Ox Road and Burke Centre Parkway around 11 a.m. after a vehicle reportedly struck a 12-inch gas line.
The driver was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening, according to authorities.
Once on scene, fire officials reported a strong smell of gas in the surrounding area.
As a precaution, Fairview Elementary School and the nearby Burke Centre Shopping Center were evacuated while crews responded to the leak.
Fairfax County police also closed Ox Road in both directions at Burke Centre Parkway. Southbound traffic was being diverted onto Burke Centre Parkway, and northbound traffic was being diverted onto Clara Barton Drive. Police warned drivers to expect extended delays while crews repaired the damaged pipeline.
Officials said the response to the gas leak could take several hours. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
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