MATTHEWS, N.C. — Emergency crews remain on the scene after a gas line explosion rocked a Matthews neighborhood earlier today near Pleasant Plains Road and Morningwood Drive. Matthews Fire say two homes were heavily damaged in the blast and fire.
What began as a gas line issue quickly escalated into a major emergency, with flames shooting into the air and burning for more than an hour. At one point, we're told nearly 100 firefighters were on scene working to contain the fire and protect surrounding homes.
Around 11:55 a.m., Matthews Fire & EMS and Charlotte Fire Department responded after a contractor drilling and setting poles is believed to have struck a natural gas line. Once crews arrived and assessed the situation, the gas leak ignited, prompting an immediate upgrade in response that included the Charlotte Fire Department HazMat team and additional agencies.
Piedmont Natural Gas crews also responded, working alongside emergency personnel to secure the area, shut off the gas flow, and clamp the damaged main line.
Matthews Fire Chief Rob Kinniburgh said two homes were significantly damaged during the incident. No injuries have been reported as of 2:15 p.m. Kinniburgh said Piedmont Natural Gas crews were searching for a valve to turn off the gas in the area. Duke Energy customers are currently without power in the area due to the fire.
The strategy for managing the blaze was been to "watch and wait" while protecting surrounding structures, or "exposures," rather than trying to extinguish the fire directly. Chief Kinniburgh explained that if the fire were put out while gas was still leaking, it would create a risk of explosive gas migrating into the neighborhood.
While the fire caused significant damage to two nearby homes, no residents were inside at the time, and no civilian injuries have been reported. Approximately 100 firefighters from multiple departments, including Charlotte Fire and several Union County agencies, remain on the scene to manage the situation and rotate crews due to the heat.
“I was doing my studies and work when I heard this ‘whooshing’ sound,” Benjamin Hlastan said. “Then, about 20 minutes later, I came out with my son to see what was going on. We saw this huge flame and the fire department was already there.”
One resident described the damage after returning home.
“My mom’s room and my room are pretty much burned down from the outside, and everything is wet. The whole house from the outside is burned down, and we can’t really live in there. We can’t stay there tonight," Kiara Espinosa, affected resident, said.
Family members say they are now working to find temporary housing and are seeking assistance from the Red Cross. They are also searching for pets that went missing during the incident.
“I wanted to help my cousins during this difficult time. I know it’s really difficult for her. It’s really scary for everyone. I’m just glad she’s okay," Jesus Salazar, family member, said.
Officials confirm there were no reported injuries, though some firefighters were briefly affected by heat exposure and are expected to be okay.
“There was no one home at the two houses most affected by the fire. We did force entry into those homes, but no one was there. We’ve had some firefighters a little overcome by heat, but they’re fine," Chief Kinniburgh said.
The Charlotte Fire Department confirmed it is assisting with the response. Multiple CFD units were dispatched to help Matthews Fire crews.
Authorities say while the situation is now under control, all natural gas appliances in the area will need to be relit.
Crews are expected to remain in the area as cleanup and assessments continue.
https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/gas-leak-large-fire-matthew...
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