Work Van Crashes Into Home Sparking Fire, Killing Dogs, Prompting Evacuation Of Neighbors

BEL AIR, MD — Two dogs were killed and a Bel Air home extensively damaged after a company van crashed into a brick home and hit the gas meter, which then caught the van on fire that spread to the home.

The incident happened Wednesday around 8:15 p.m. at the home at 1702 Woodhome Drive. A neighbor called 911 and reported that a vehicle had crashed into the home. The driver left the scene, but the Harford County Sheriff's Office was able to identify the driver; however, they couldn't find him at the time of the crash. He was tracked down and found later, the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office reported.

The first responding fire department, the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company, along with mutual responders, took approximately 30 minutes to gain control of the fire. The owner wasn't home but one dog died at the scene and another dog died from its injuries later on despite being rescued by firefighters and being treated at the scene.

Several homes were evacuated due to the gas leak. BGE crews were able to find the leak, repair it and then residents could return to their homes. The two-story single family home sustained approximately $650,000 in damages and loss, according to the state fire marshal's office.

Town Group released a statement about the incident:

"Last evening, one of our employees was on their way home from work, driving a company truck, when they accidentally drove off the road and into the side of a Bel Air home in the 1700 block of Woodhome Drive. During the accident, the driver hit the home’s gas line, immediately sparking a fire that spread through the house and truck, causing extensive damage to the home. While no family members were home during the incident, the fire led to the heartbreaking loss of two family dogs.

"Words can’t express how sad we are for the family affected; we know this has unexpectedly disrupted their lives in immeasurable ways. As a family-owned business in this community for over 27 years, we’ve always cared deeply about our neighbors, and an incident like this has truly shaken us. We’ve never experienced anything like this and are doing everything we can to support everyone involved.

"Our employee is currently hospitalized, and we’re grateful he is being cared for. We are working with law enforcement and the fire department as they continue their investigation; we will provide any information they need. Please keep the family affected and their pets in your thoughts and prayers."