‘Could have been quite a bit worse’: Utility crew strikes gas line, sparking huge fire that damaged several homes in Matthews

MATTHEWS, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Nearly 100 emergency responders worked for hours Wednesday after a major natural gas line rupture sparked a massive fire in Matthews.

Read more Anticipation builds ahead of the full schedule release for the upcoming NFL season

According to Matthews Fire & EMS, the incident happened just before noon when an underground 8-inch gas line was accidentally struck during utility work.

Fire crews had just finished surveying the leak area when the gas ignited near Morningwood Drive and Pleasant Plains Road.

Nearby homes and utility vehicles damaged

“This incident could have been quite a bit worse,” Matthews Fire Chief Rob Kinniburgh said in a released statement on Friday. “Our crews had just completed surveying the leak and returned to their apparatus moments before ignition occurred.”

The rupture caused towering flames visible across the area, damaged nearby homes and utility vehicles, and forced evacuations in the neighborhood. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

Read more Grammy-nominated Jordin Sparks selected to sing the national anthem at the Indianapolis 500

Matthews Fire & EMS said firefighters intentionally allowed the gas-fed flames to continue burning until utility crews could safely shut off the gas supply. Officials explained that letting the fire burn helped prevent ‘unignited’ natural gas from spreading and creating additional hazards.

Crews worked with limited hydrants

Due to limited hydrants in the area, crews set up tanker operations to maintain water supplies while firefighters worked to protect nearby homes.

Officials said utility crews eventually isolated the damaged line using hydraulic clamps.

The response involved agencies from across the area, including Matthews Fire & EMS, Charlotte Fire Department Hazmat teams, Medic, law enforcement, and utility companies.

Read more Jannik Sinner breaks Masters record to reach Italian Open semifinals. Coco Gauff back in final