What started as a quiet Saturday night in Woodbury turned chaotic when an SUV barreled into a row of townhomes, rupturing gas piping and forcing residents from 16 units to clear out while crews rushed in to contain the danger.
Crash footage and immediate response
Video from the scene shows the SUV coming to rest against the townhomes after the collision, which "caused a gas leak and widespread damage," according to a June 21 report from FOX 9. The station reported that fire, police and utility crews evacuated occupants from 16 units and stayed on scene into the night to secure the area and assess damage.
Gas-safety steps residents should follow
Utilities and safety groups are clear about what comes next whenever there is a suspected gas leak: get out and get help. The American Gas Association advises leaving buildings immediately, avoiding anything that might create a spark, not using phones or flipping light switches inside, and calling 911 or the gas utility from outside at a safe distance. From there, officials say to follow directions from emergency responders.
Why vehicle impacts can trigger bigger hazards
Crashes into buildings are not just about broken walls and crumpled bumpers. A vehicle strike can shift foundations, rip away meter boxes and rupture the underground service lines that feed gas into homes, and at first glance some of that damage can be easy to miss. Industry guidance and materials from NFPA stress that any gas odor or alarm should trigger immediate evacuation, and that only trained crews should test and repair fuel-gas lines before residents are allowed back inside.
What neighbors can expect next
FOX 9's footage showed a heavy response from emergency and utility crews and reported that nearby residents were displaced while the gas leak was secured. Officials typically keep people out of affected homes until structural checks are complete, gas lines are inspected and utilities confirm that service is safe to restore.
Woodbury residents impacted by the crash are urged to monitor official city and utility updates for clearance to return and any further instructions. Anyone who smells gas in the area should move to a safe distance and call 911 immediately. This story will be updated as more information is released by authorities and utilities.
