JUST IN: The Majestic restaurant in Old Town evacuated because of suspicious odor

Published May 24, 2024 at 1:40PM

The Alexandria Fire Department responding to a suspected gas leak at The Majestic restaurant at 911 King Street in Old Town, May 24, 2024 (staff photo by James Cullum)

The Alexandria Fire Department is responding to a suspected gas leak at The Majestic restaurant at 911 King Street in Old Town.

Upper King Street — west of the intersection with Alfred Street — is shut down as multiple AFD fire engines and an ambulance attend to the scene.

The 911 call of the suspected gas leak went out at around 1 p.m at the two-story building. A caller inside the restaurant told a dispatcher that there was a heavy gas smell and that three employees were complaining of headaches.

AFD personnel are investigating the matter. As of 1:15 p.m., AFD reported via dispatch that there was no smoke or fire, but an odor “not consistent with gas.”

About the Author

James Cullum

Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.