BEL AIR, Md. — A two-story home in Bel Air sustained extensive damage Wednesday evening after a vehicle crashed into the house, struck a gas meter, and ignited a fire that spread throughout the structure. The incident occurred around 8:15 p.m. at 1702 Woodhome Drive in Harford County, officials said.
The crash resulted in a blaze that caused an estimated $500,000 in structural damage and $150,000 in damage to the home’s contents. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. However, two family pets were affected: one dog perished at the scene, while another was rescued by firefighters but later succumbed to its injuries.
The Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company responded to the fire, along with surrounding departments and the Harford County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO). A total of 35 firefighters were on scene, and it took approximately 30 minutes to bring the fire under control. Smoke alarms in the home were present and activated, but the house did not have a fire sprinkler system.
The fire originated in the engine compartment of the vehicle, which had struck the home’s gas meter upon impact. The resulting gas leak led to an explosion in the vehicle’s engine that ignited the fire, which then spread to the home. Several nearby homes were temporarily evacuated due to the gas leak, but residents were allowed to return once BGE crews isolated the leak.
The driver of the vehicle fled the scene immediately after the crash. The Harford County Sheriff’s Office later identified the driver but was unable to locate him at the time. The HCSO is leading the investigation into the crash, and all inquiries about the incident and the driver should be directed to them.
This incident underscores the potential dangers posed by vehicle impacts with residential gas infrastructure, as well as the vital role of rapid response from fire and utility crews in containing such emergencies.
