A quiet Friday on University Drive turned chaotic when a car crashed into the basement of a home in the 2000 block, touching off a natural gas leak and pulling in a multi‑agency emergency response. No injuries were reported, and the residence was later cleared after crews confirmed the leak was under control and the scene was secure, according to officials. Durham Fire Department personnel assisted at the scene while investigators worked to lock down the area.
According to CBS17, the vehicle went through a fence before hitting the home's basement. Durham police told the station that crews discovered an active gas leak inside the house, and city crews and firefighters moved quickly to contain the leak and clear the structure.
Emergency response and neighborhood impacts
The Durham Fire Department notes that its crews routinely secure gas‑leak scenes and coordinate with utility partners to make buildings and nearby streets safe. Earlier this year, a van crashed into a commercial gas meter downtown and forced street closures while responders worked to stop the gas flow, a disruption that rippled through the area and was covered by The News & Observer.
Investigation ongoing
Durham police said the University Drive crash remains under investigation and that investigators stayed on scene while crews finished clearing the home and securing the neighborhood, according to CBS17. Authorities have not released additional information about the vehicle or possible charges.
