This is a breaking news alert…
A vehicle has exploded in Washington D.C. with massive pillars of black smoke observed around 23rd Street South.
Take a look here:
CAR EXPLOSION IN D.C. – VAN ERUPTS IN FLAMES, SMOKE VISIBLE FOR MILES
A black Mercedes Sprinter van exploded on 23rd Street South in Washington D.C., sending a massive column of black smoke into the sky.
No buildings were reported damaged, but the blast and blaze could be… pic.twitter.com/t61HY2l4yf
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) June 29, 2025
Video here:
BREAKING: A black Mercedes Sprinter Van has just EXPLODED in Washington DC. pic.twitter.com/B6HQtnYZfc
— Gunther Eagleman
(@GuntherEagleman) June 29, 2025
Here’s a quick summary of what we know so far:
Key Points
A black Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van exploded on June 29, 2025, on 23rd Street South, Washington, D.C., producing large black smoke visible for miles.
No injuries or building damage were reported.
Cause remains unknown and is under investigation.
A 2019–2020 model recall for fire risks may be related but is unconfirmed.
Incident Summary
The explosion occurred around 12:35 PM UTC (8:35 AM CDT).
The smoke plume was visible across the D.C. skyline.
The van was identified as a black Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, often used for transport.
No confirmed injuries or damage to buildings has been reported.
The event likely stems from a mechanical failure, not a coordinated attack.
Vehicle Context
A 2023 recall affected ~53,000 Sprinter vans (model years 2019–2020) due to a wiring harness defect in the climate control system that could overheat and cause fires.
The recall called for replacing and relocating the fuse box supply line.
The vehicle in the explosion may or may not be part of this recall; the model year is not confirmed.
Official Response
As of now, no official statements from Mercedes-Benz or D.C. Fire Department.
The investigation appears ongoing, with no updates from major news outlets beyond Daily Mail.
Additional Observations
Images and video from social media show thick black smoke and citywide visibility.
Some speculative comments on social media suggest terrorism or mechanical failure, but none are verified.
Given the high summer temperatures, the recall issue could be more likely in such conditions.
The location’s political sensitivity raised attention, but no evidence suggests a targeted attack.