This footage was filmed and produced 18 January 2024.

A Washington, D.C. daycare witnessed a near-disaster as 16 children were evacuated just moments before multiple explosions erupted in buildings along the 1200 block of Marion Barry Avenue in the Anacostia neighborhood.

The chaos ensued after a gas leak, initially reported on the 18th of January around 9:30 a.m., led to uncontrollable circumstances, forcing the immediate evacuation of adjacent structures.

D.C. Fire Chief John Donnelly revealed that the gas leak, caused by a vehicle striking a gas meter during routine operations, resulted in a swift response from emergency crews. All 16 evacuated children, who were already in the process of being clothed and placed in strollers by daycare staff, were safely removed just before the first explosion occurred.

The explosions heavily impacted three buildings, including the daycare, prompting Mayor Muriel Bowser to express gratitude for the firefighters' urgent response. One person sustained minor injuries from debris, and the fire department, in collaboration with Washington Gas, is working to control the leak and address the aftermath of the explosions.