US Arlington Police asked locals to shelter in safe spaces after a house exploded on Tuesday in Virginia. A massive explosion was reported after a suspect fired multiple shots from a flare gun. The incident occurred in the Bluemont neighbourhood of Arlington when the police reached the suspect’s house to conduct a search after they received reports of the person discharging a flare gun. Officers present at the spot reported minor injuries but no one required hospitalization.
Visuals of the explosion are doing rounds on social media platform X (Formerly known as Twitter).
House *explodes* in Virginia where officers were serving a search warrant tonight. Arlington County Police said a suspect who was inside was believed to be setting off a flare gun before the house blew up. Shelter in place orders reportedly in place until further notice. pic.twitter.com/eNHEguV2RM
— Laura Ingle (@lauraingle) December 5, 2023
According to NDTV, a neighbour told local media outlet ARLnow, “I think it blew up the entire duplex. I’m sure the family next door was evacuated before it blew up, but they lost their home.”
Arlington County police in a tweet said, “As officers were attempting to execute a search warrant at the residence, the suspect discharged several rounds inside the home. Subsequently, an explosion occurred at the residence and officers continue to investigate the circumstances of the explosion.”
UPDATE: As officers were attempting to execute a search warrant at the residence, the suspect discharged several rounds inside the home. Subsequently, an explosion occurred at the residence and officers continue to investigate the circumstances of the explosion.
— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) December 5, 2023
The identity of the person involved in the case was not released. The circumstances of the explosion were under investigation, police officials said.
Arlington fire department officials were deployed after the explosion and they have brought the fire under control.
Update: Fire is under control, crews continue to battle small spot fires. Units remaining on scene for an undetermined amount of time.
— Arlington Fire & EMS (@ArlingtonVaFD) December 5, 2023
Police and fire officials could not immediately say what caused the explosion. Police officials said that it wasn’t clear if the rounds that were fired as officers approached were from the flare gun or some other weapon.
As per media reports, the flames and smoke from the explosion were seen from miles away.
