Major natural gas line rupture sends flames shooting into the air

MATTHEWS, N.C. — The towering flames from a ruptured natural gas leak on Wednesday afternoon have been extinguished.

About 100 firefighters and other emergency personnel responded to the scene of a major gas line rupture and fire that started early Wednesday afternoon in Matthews at Pleasant Plains Road and Morningwood Drive. Chopper 9 Skyzoom footage showed the flames shooting several feet into the air from the location.

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The situation started around noon, and the flames were out at 2:20 p.m. when the natural gas was cut off.

Utility trucks were burning at the scene, and crews worked to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby buildings. Several homes were also evacuated in the area.

The Matthews fire chief said Pike Electric crews, who contract with Duke Energy, were drilling into the ground to set in a pole when they struck the 8-inch natural gas line close to noon, which caused the leak. A small spark from a power line ignited the gas, Matthews Fire said.

Matthews firefighters responded. They inspected the scene of the leak, and when they returned to their truck, the gas ignited, causing the fire.

Matthews Fire Chief Rob Kinniburgh said this type of fire is difficult to fight, and it could’ve been a bigger disaster.

“It could have been quite a bit worse,” the fire chief said. “Our crew from Engine 12 made it to the hole. They surveyed the problem and then went back to the truck. Our practice is to wear full turnout gear, breathing apparatus as they approach the hole. We were close.”

Matthews Fire said although the size of the flames was alarming, crews left the fire burning intentionally to prevent unignited natural gas from spreading and potentially igniting other structures in the area. Firefighters say it’s often safer to let the gas burn off in a controlled manner until the leak can be addressed.

Crews remained on the scene, and traffic in the area was impacted for some time.

No injuries were reported. Two homes were severely damaged, and no one was home.

Crews from Matthews Fire, Wesley Chapel Fire Department, Charlotte Fire Department, and several other agencies were involved in the response.

PNG crews will remain at the scene to make repairs, which will likely last into Wednesday night.

‘Lost everything’

Kiara Espinosa, who lived in the damaged home with her mother and two brothers, said she was at school when she learned what happened.

“I was scared because we lost everything pretty much,” she said.

The family’s dog and one of their cats are still missing. They stayed in a hotel Wednesday night but have no long‑term plan for housing.

Espinosa says her family is focused on finding their pets and figuring out where they will stay next.

“We just want to make sure we have a house to stay at, and we just want to find our cat and dog.”

‘Crack, and boom’

“Then just ‘Crack, and boom,’” said one neighbor. “It felt like a campfire standing so far away. It was crazy.”

Some neighbors were home when the line blew. They could feel the flames.

“It was surreal because you just don’t see it every day, and to actually feel the heat from the fire, that made it even more real,” said another neighbor.

They filmed a video from their yard.

A nearby preschool and daycare let out. Parents said they felt safe with emergency crews there and were also notified by the school.

This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com and watch Eyewitness News for updates.

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