Surveillance camera footage showed the moment a gas explosion destroyed a building in Washington, DC.
Firefighters had responded to a report of a gas leak in the Anacostia neighborhood, but were unable to stop it.
People were evacuated from the building and nearby buildings, including a nursery with 16 children.
“The gas was very noticeable. You could hear it leaking and also smell it from the street,” DC Fire and EMS Lt. Ryan Bolton told reporters.
The explosion occurred within 15 minutes of the fire brigade's arrival, causing damage to three buildings.
Local media reported that a man was slightly injured after being hit by flying debris, and was taken to hospital.
The cause of the leak is still under investigation, but Fire Chief John Donnelly said he believes it “occurred after a vehicle struck a gas meter.”
