Flash Fire Fueled by Gas Leak Injures Two Workers in Beltsville

Prince George's County Fire Department spokesman Mark Brady released the following statement around 4:30 p.m. Friday regarding a flash fire incident in Beltsville:

At about 2 p.m. [Friday] two workers sustained burn injuries that appear non-life-threatening when a flash fire occurred while operating on or near a forklift in the 12300 block of Conway Road in Beltsville in an industrial complex.

The flash fire was fueled by what appears to be a break in a natural gas line underground and venting through the sewer system. As a precaution 4 buildings with about 50 employees in the immediate area were evacuated.

The injured workers were transported by medics to a Burn Unit for treatment of 1st and 2nd degree burns.

Washington Gas Company officials are on the scene and in process of shutting down gas service to a portion of the industrial area. No residents are affected.