A house in Maryland was destroyed in a tragic explosion on Sunday morning, resulting in the loss of one life and causing damage to nearby homes, as per officials. The incident took place in Bel Air, a town located in Harford County, after reports of a gas leak, as stated by Harford County fire officials during a press conference. The fire department had initially been alerted to a potential gas leak, but before they could reach the home, the explosion occurred, according to Master Deputy of the Maryland State Fire Marshal Oliver Alkire.
Alkire, who has nearly 18 years of experience on the job, expressed that this was one of the most significant explosions he had witnessed, particularly in Harford County. Firefighters discovered one individual deceased at the site, although the victim’s identity had not been disclosed at that time as authorities were in the process of informing the next-of-kin. Approximately 60 emergency responders were on-site to sift through the rubble in search of any other potential victims.
It was mentioned by Alkire that two Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) workers were summoned to investigate an electrical problem and were present when the explosion took place. It was not clear whether the deceased individual was one of the BGE workers. Furthermore, a woman residing in a neighboring house that suffered severe damage was treated at the scene for minor injuries. The house that was destroyed was reportedly up for sale, although it was uncertain if anyone was inside during the explosion.
Before the blast, there was a noticeable gas odor in the vicinity, according to Alkire. He informed the media that it was uncertain whether the explosion was deliberate. Alkire emphasized the need to approach every scene as a potential crime scene due to the lack of clarity surrounding the incident. The cause of the explosion was still being investigated, and officials urged the public to avoid the area and refrain from flying personal drones overhead while investigators conducted their work.
Residents within the blast area were requested to report any structural damage to the authorities. The incident had left the community in shock and mourning for the life lost in the tragic event. The impact of such an explosion on the neighborhood and the families involved is immeasurable, highlighting the importance of gas safety measures and prompt action in response to gas leaks to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.