AltaGas (Washington Gas) Natural Gas–Fueled Explosion and Fire

What HappenedThis information is preliminary and subject to change. Release date 16 March 2026 Preliminary Report On February 15, 2026, about 9:48 p.m. local time, a natural gas–fueled explosion and fire destroyed a residence at 14389 Quail Pond Court in Centreville, Virginia.[1] Two people were injured, and several neighboring homes were damaged. Washington Gas, a subsidiary of AltaGas Ltd., provided natural gas service to the neighborhood.[2] The weather at the time of the accident was 40ºF, with snow on the ground and no precipitation. On February 15, about 10:28 a.m., a resident of a home at 5229 Belle Plains Drive, across the street from the home that exploded, reported a gas odor to AltaGas. The responding service technician identified a grade 1 leak near the exterior of the home and called a crew to repair it about 12:30 p.m.[3] The crew was still completing repairs at 5229 Belle Plains Drive when the home to the southwest, at 14389 Quail Pond Court, exploded and caught fire. The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and Department of Emergency Management Services responded to multiple 911 calls from neighborhood residents. AltaGas shut off natural gas service to the area about 12:40 a.m. on February 16. Emergency responders from the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department evacuated 46 homes. AltaGas provided natural gas service to the area through an underground 6 inch diameter gas main.[4] The main’s operating pressure at the time of the accident was 55 pounds per square inch, gauge.[5] Just east of the accident home, the main ran underneath three gas transmission lines operated by Williams/Transco. After the explosion, local and utility emergency responders detected subsurface natural gas near where the AltaGas main crossed underneath the Williams/Transco transmission lines (in the transmission line right-of-way) and in the yards of homes along Belle Plains Drive and Quail Pond Court. Gas was also detected inside several homes. The National Transportation Safety Board directed and oversaw postaccident pressure testing of the gas main that ran along Quail Pond Court starting on February 17. The gas main failed to hold pressure, indicating a leak, and on February 22, testing revealed the leak’s location on the main. (See figure.) The leaking section of pipe was removed and sent to the National Transportation Safety Board Materials Laboratory for further evaluation. AltaGas pressure tested the remaining natural gas mains and service lines in the area and found no additional leaks. All aspects of the explosion remain under investigation while the National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause with the intent to issue safety recommendations to prevent similar events. Parties to the investigation include: the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, the Virginia State Corporation Commission, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, and AltaGas. [1] All times in this report are local. [2] This report refers to parent company AltaGas throughout. [3] A grade 1 leak is one that requires immediate action. [4] A main is a natural gas distribution pipeline that serves as a common source of supply for more than one service line. The maximum allowable operating pressure of the main is 60 pounds per square inch, gauge. Release Date 18 Feb. 2026 Investigative Update The NTSB has concluded the on-scene portion of its investigation into the Feb. 15 natural gas-fueled home explosion and fire in Centreville, Virginia. Investigators identified a section of polyethylene plastic pipe near the corner of Quail Pond Court and Belle Plains Drive that leaked air during pressure testing. That section of pipe was removed and sent to the NTSB Materials Laboratory in Washington, D.C., where it will be examined to determine the cause of its failure. The NTSB investigative team directed and oversaw Washington Gas conduct additional pressure testing of the surrounding distribution system in the area where gas was indicated and found no evidence of any other leaks. NTSB’s next update will be the preliminary report, which will be posted to the investigation webpage within 30 days. A link to the report will also be shared on the NTSB Newsroom account on X. The preliminary report will include factual information gathered during the initial phase of the investigation. The probable cause of the accident, along with any contributing factors, will be detailed in the final report, which is expected to be completed in 12–24 months. Media inquiries regarding current site operations and residential reentry should be directed to Department of Fairfax County Fire and Rescue or Washington Gas. Family Assistance Contact NTSB Investigative Update Request Form for Families, Loved Ones, and Survivors [email protected]#