The chaotic scene at Manassas Innovation Park on Sept. 23, 2013. Photo courtesy of PWC Scanner Bums.

BREAKING NEWS:

Manassas Innovation Park is closed until at least 4 p.m., today, due to an explosion that has reportedly injured at least one person.

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, according to Potomac Local News.

Several Northern Virginia Community College classes are held at MIP.

UPDATE:
Around 2:15 p.m., NOVA officials released this statement on NOVA’s website:
Manassas Innovation Park remains closed until 4 p.m. this afternoon because of Fire & Rescue activity at a nearby building. The front parking area of the Innovation Business Center is being used by Prince William Fire and Rescue for emergency access only. Movement in or out of the front parking area is currently restricted until further notice.

UPDATE:
At 2:50 p.m., NOVA Access announced that Manassas Innovation Park is closed for the remainder of today and classes and activities are canceled tonight.

UPDATE:
5:30 p.m.
According to the Prince William County Department of Fire & Rescue, fire and rescue units were dispatched to MIP at approximately 11:30 a.m. There were signs of an explosion, and the building sustained significant damage, including the roof.

One civilian employee of the business, which Potomac Local News has reported as being a company that develops gas-powered guns for the U.S. military called UTRON, sustained minor injuries and was transported to the hospital.

As a precautionary measure, the building and 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, stated the PWC Fire & Rescue.

No word as to what caused the explosion. An investigation is currently underway by fire investigators with the Fire Marshal’s Office, with the assistance of the Prince William County Police.

The structure is currently labeled unsafe.

All classes and activities are canceled for NOVA students tonight, according to the college.

By: KJ Mushung

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