Dog Survives Home Explosion, Rescued Six Days After
A five-year-old dog, believed to have died following a home gas explosion in Haymarket, Virginia has miraculously survived the incident and was rescued six days later, bringing joy to her family amidst the tragedy.
Prince William Professional Firefighter announced the explosion on Facebook stating that, the incident occurred on October 15 when an underground gas line was struck, triggering a catastrophic event that leveled the home. The firefighters responded to the incident, swiftly evacuating nearby homes and containing the fire.
“Earlier in the afternoon, Engine 504 was called to an outside gas leak when an underground gas line was struck,” Prince William Professional Firefighter’s Facebook post reads.
“Crews evacuated the nearby homes and created a standoff distance while awaiting the gas company. While awaiting additional crews to arrive, Engine 504 witnessed the home explode. The residence instantly disintegrated and the rubble pile caught fire. Crews transmitted a working fire and went to work extinguishing the adjacent homes which also caught fire during the blast. The incident escalated to a second alarm before the gas could be secured further down the block and the flames were extinguished.”
While no human injuries were reported, DC News Now reports the explosion left two families displaced, including Megan Schnapp and her partner Joshua Jeffries who had two dogs.
One dog was said to have escaped before the explosion, while the other, a five-year-old rescue named Brandy, was tragically trapped upstairs. Brandy had been secured in a room due to ongoing repairs before the explosion, and was initially presumed to have died in the blast.
Fauquier Now, reports that on the morning of October 21, an insurance investigator and Schnapp were surveying the wreckage when they heard a faint barking sound emanating from the rubble.
However, when asked if she has a dog, Schnapp who had believed the dog died in the explosion said her dog passed away, but later realized the dog barking was actually Brandy.
The Prince William Professional Firefighters once more responded to the scene and rescued Brandy from the debris.
Sharing the rescue news on Facebook, the team wrote,” This morning, crews from the 1st Battalion were called to the home that exploded several days ago in Haymarket for a dog barking from inside the rubble. #Truck4 worked diligently to free the pup from collapsed home, reuniting her with her family. After an incredible story of survival, the dog is expected to make a full recovery from incident.”
The dog reportedly sustained some minimal cuts and burns but “Physically looks amazing.” The miraculous survival of Brandy has brought a sense of hope and healing to the affected families. Schnapp expressed her immense gratitude for the firefighters and the community members who helped in the rescue effort.
”We are so thankful for Piedmont, Haymarket and beyond for everyone’s support. I’m so thankful no one was injured,” she reportedly said. “And now our family is complete again.”
While the explosion has caused significant damage and upended the lives of the affected families, Brandy’s miraculous survival has brought a glimmer of hope and joy to the community.
The dog’s rescue has sparked widespread excitement online. One user wrote “I’m so glad to hear this!! The original crew did a remarkable job on that explosion call and I was sad to hear about the animal situation but man if this isn’t the BEST news!!! Gosh, what a trooper of a dog!! Way to go to the diligent neighbors who called and the crew for a successful recovery.”
Another added, “It was so amazing to watch this unfold, thank you for your tenderness and care for this family and their animal.”
