Four of the firefighters and the gas worker were taken to the Medstar Burn Unit at the Washington Hospital Center. Two of the firefighters have since been treated and released. Two others, including a captain seen in the white helmet in the video above, are being held overnight for observation.
According to Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department Chief Spokesman Mark Brady, the fire department received a call around 12:55 PM for a report of a natural gas leak. They arrived at 3426 Donnell Drive and evacuated a number of businesses at the Penn Mar Shopping Center. Brady said 45 people were ushered out of the building.
At about 1:23 PM, with the gas company on the scene, an explosion occurred, causing the destruction of about 5 store fronts. A flash fire resulted. Firefighters and the gas worker were injured by both the fire and flying debris.
The building was so heavily damaged firefighters were not able to immediately go back in and search to make sure everyone got out safely.
On the firground audio you can hear a report from the rear of the structure that fire had broken out while firefighters were venting the structure. Moments later, as command attempted to determine what was burning, the explosion occurred and maydays were called.
We had a 30" gas main explode here yesterday. To my knowledge no one was hurt but reports show it shot flames up to 400 feet in the air. It cooked a few cars along the street and the back hoe that was digging but that was all.
A friend of mine was on that call and that was his crew that got hurt. That's why I never go on calls for gas leaks without all my gear on, it is so dangerous. I hope they are going to walk away able to fully recover....craziness
What a shame!! I hope that the guys involved in the accident are recovering for their injuries.
My respects and heart are with all the families and FFbrothers.
Hey ya i Know but the thing is the guy in the black that was walking up to that building was the driver of the Prince Georges County ladder truck he is also at my station so please keep him and the other firefighters in your prayers