Update 5:15 p.m.
This just in from Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue:
Today, Monday, Sept. 23, at approximately 11:30 a.m., fire and rescue units were dispatched to a commercial structure at 9441 Innovation Drive in Manassas. Signs of an explosion were present with the building sustaining significant damage to the roof and other portions of the building.
The building was evacuated due to the extent of damage. One civilian employee of the business sustained minor injuries due to the explosion and was transported to the hospital. As a precautionary measure additional workers from surrounding businesses were evacuated to ensure their safety.
Assessment of the structure and potential structural collapse was performed by the Collapse Response team. In addition, the Hazmat Response team assessed for any hazardous materials threat and none were found.
An investigation is currently underway by fire investigators with the Fire Marshal’s Office, with the assistance of the Prince William County Police.
Representatives from the Building Official’s Office were on the scene and have posted the structure as unsafe.
Update 2 p.m.
UPDATE – Manassas Innovation Park remains closed until 4 p.m. today. Access in and out of the front parking area is currently restricted.
UPDATE – Manassas Innovation Park remains closed until 4 p.m. today. Access in and out of the front parking area is currently restricted.
— NOVA (@NovaAccess) September 23, 2013
Officials report more than 40 units in the area checking nearby buildings for damage, and to see if anyone else was injured in the blast.
The explosion occurred near the Hylton Performing Arts Center and George Mason University’s Prince William Campus.
The Governor’s School at Innovation Park is located near the site of the explosion, but school officials said the campus was empty:
PWCS students unaffected by explosion near Mason’s PW Campus. Governor’s School @Innovation Park students had returned to base schools.
— PWCS (@PWCSNews) September 23, 2013
Noon
MANASSAS, Va. — A reported explosion at Innovation Park in Manassas this morning has left one person injured.
Fire and rescue crews were called to the business park at 9441 Innovation Drive, just off Va. 234, just before noon after a report of an explosion.
There is one initial report that that indicates one person was injured in the blast. We don’t have information on the severity of the victim’s injuries.
Fire and rescue crews searched the building and found heavy damage to the roof. It appears the explosion was the result of hydrogen and oxygen combining, according to initial reports.
Fire crews reported the blast did not create a HAZMAT situation, and that workers will be allowed to return to the building. It not clear if workers are being allowed to return to the building yet.
The building is home to UTRON, a company that develops gas-powered guns for the U.S. military.
This is a developing story and we’ll continue to bring you updates as we get them.
