Officials: Van crashes into home, causes major fire in Bel Air

Van's driver flees, 2 dogs die in fire

Van's driver flees, 2 dogs die in fire

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Van's driver flees, 2 dogs die in fire

A van crashed into a Bel Air home Wednesday night, causing a collapse and prompting the evacuation of neighboring homes, according to Harford County fire officials.

A cause of the crash, which was reported around 8:15 p.m. in the 1700 block of Woodhome Drive, was unknown and the driver fled, officials told 11 News. Authorities are searching for the driver, who they said has been identified and charges are pending.

Officials said the fire started after the vehicle struck a gas line. The Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office said a neighbor called 911 and reported that a vehicle crashed into the home.

Multiple fire companies were called to the scene, as well as crews from Baltimore Gas and Electric.

The fire was placed under control shortly after 10 p.m., officials told 11 News. BGE crews remained at the scene through the night as a precaution, and residents were allowed to return to their homes once it was deemed safe.

The homeowner was not home at the time. A dog died at the scene, and firefighters were able to rescue another dog, but the second dog later died.

The state fire marshal said fire alarms were activated and the fire caused an estimated $650,000 in losses.

Breaking news video below: Van hits home, gas line in Bel Air

Video below: Multiple units at scene of collapse, fire in Bel Air

This report will be updated.