BAILEY'S CROSSROADS, Va. — Fire investigators have ruled that the fiery explosion that erupted at a Fairfax County building last month was accidental. Fairfax County Fire and Rescue investigators said the dramatic explosion that was caught on camera was a backdraft.
According to a report released Tuesday, the cause is attributed to degradation of the underground power lines leading to arcing and a subsequent underground fire involving the insulation of adjacent communication lines.
Firefighters were initially called to a commercial building in the 3800 block of South George Mason Drive in Bailey's Crossroads for a report of smoke. Crews arrived on scene to find smoke, but no fire. It was determined to be a utility emergency.
The building was evacuated, and while firefighters were working, the explosion occurred. No injuries were reported as a result of the blast.
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