Homes Evacuated After Centreville House Explosion

NTSB and fire crews test for gas leaks, 35 homes still evacuated

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A house explosion in Centreville, Virginia on Sunday has led to the evacuation of dozens of homes as the National Transportation Safety Board and fire crews investigate a suspected gas leak. One occupant escaped the home through a window and was caught by a neighbor, with both sustaining minor injuries. Officials discovered a natural gas leak near the home and evacuated 46 homes, with 35 still evacuated as of Wednesday as crews work to find and repair the leak.

Why it matters

The investigation into the cause of the explosion and gas leak is critical to ensuring public safety in the Centreville neighborhood and preventing similar incidents in the future. The evacuation of dozens of homes also highlights the significant disruption these types of events can have on a local community.

The details

Dozens of reports of a gas smell came in before the home ultimately exploded on Sunday evening. Officials discovered a natural gas leak near the home and transitioned into a hazmat response, evacuating 46 homes. Fairfax County Fire and Rescue said there was a 'loss of pressure' in a section of pipe that is being investigated as the potential source of the leak. The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation to determine the probable cause of the accident.

  • The explosion occurred on Sunday evening.
  • On Wednesday, officials said the testing of pipeline infrastructure will likely last through the rest of the week.
  • Washington Gas said it is 'actively supporting the response' and offering hotel accommodations to displaced residents.

The players

National Transportation Safety Board

The federal agency leading the investigation into the probable cause of the explosion and gas leak.

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue

The local fire department that responded to the explosion and is monitoring gas levels in nearby homes.

Washington Gas

The utility company that maintains and operates the distribution lines in the area, and is working to find and repair any leaks.

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What they’re saying

“We want to make sure that the area is extensively investigated to make sure that any leaks are found and addressed. But yes, there is a loss of pressure when tested with air, which means when it had natural gas in it, there was most likely a leak of natural gas from that pipeline.”

— Eric Craven, Assistant Chief of Operations, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue (WTOP)

“The timeline is 100% dependent on two things. One, that all the leaks are found and repaired. And two, that the Fairfax County Fire Rescue Department is able to go into those occupancies, clear all floors of the living area to ensure they have normal atmospheric readings and to maintain that before we put people back in that situation.”

— Eric Craven, Assistant Chief of Operations, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue (WTOP)

What’s next

The NTSB said a final report including the probable cause findings and safety recommendations will be released in 12 to 24 months.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of thorough investigations into the causes of gas leaks and explosions to ensure public safety and prevent future similar events. The evacuation of dozens of homes also demonstrates the significant disruption these types of incidents can have on local communities.