Authorities have reported that two individuals were discovered deceased and one person was injured following a powerful explosion on Sunday morning. The blast completely destroyed a home and caused significant damage to nearby houses in a suburban Baltimore neighborhood.
An explosion occurred at approximately 6:42 a.m. on Arthur Woods Drive in Bel Air, a city in Harford County, located about 32 miles north of Baltimore. Officials have reported the incident.
According to Master Deputy Fire Marshal Oliver Alkire, a 35-year-old contractor for Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) has been identified as the individual who tragically lost their life in the explosion. At this time, the name of the BGE contractor has not been disclosed. Additionally, a female neighbor residing next to the affected house sustained injuries, including cuts and bruises. She received prompt medical attention at the scene.
At 6:00 p.m. on Sunday evening, Harford County officials announced the discovery of another victim in the rubble, raising the death toll to two.
According to officials, the medical examiner’s office will release the identity of the second individual.
Officials have reported that the blast has resulted in the displacement of at least 12 families. It is worth mentioning that the authorities are still in the process of assessing the total number of structures that have been damaged.
Firefighters from Harford County Fire and Emergency Medical Services were seen in a photo posted on X, bravely battling a small fire and conducting a search in the aftermath of a devastating incident. The once-standing home now lay in ruins, with only fragments of wood, insulation, and debris scattered around as a stark reminder of the destruction.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of an explosion that occurred on August 11, 2024, resulting in the destruction of a home in Bel Air, Maryland. Sadly, one person lost their life in this tragic incident.
Hartford County, Maryland’s Fire and EMS
During a news conference earlier on Sunday, Alkire expressed his astonishment at the magnitude of the explosion, stating, “I’ve been on the job for 18 years, and this was one of the largest explosions I’ve seen.”
According to Alkire, the Harford County Fire Department was on their way to investigate a reported gas leak in the vicinity when the explosion happened.
According to Jeffrey Sexton, a representative of the Harford County Fire and EMS Association, they have discovered the body of the BGE worker amidst the extensive debris field resulting from the explosion.
Officials said that search-and-rescue crews were still meticulously sifting through the debris, painstakingly examining every fragment. The rubble, spread out over several blocks, was being carefully scrutinized in their efforts to locate survivors or any signs of life.
According to Alkire, there were at least two BGE contract workers who had responded to the area before the explosion in order to investigate an electrical issue. He mentioned that these workers were already aware of the reports regarding the odor of gas in the vicinity when the explosion took place.
According to Alkire, multiple homes have been damaged and authorities are currently conducting a damage assessment. Fortunately, no evacuations have been ordered at this time.
The house that exploded was confirmed to be up for sale by Alkire. However, it remains uncertain whether anyone was inside the house at the time of the explosion. According to officials, the house was described as a “total loss.”
The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Harford County Sheriff’s Department, and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are currently investigating the cause of the explosion.
Residents in the neighborhood said they heard a loud explosion and felt their houses shake, according to authorities.
Jeffrey Beyers, a resident living near the house that was destroyed by the blast, described the terrifying experience. A loud explosion with an earthquake-like sensation abruptly woke him and his wife up. Beyers even pointed out the windows in his own house that were blown out from their frames.
Beyers emphasized the importance of uncovering the truth behind the incident, stating, “It is crucial to delve into the matter and gain a comprehensive understanding of what transpired to prevent any recurrence in the future.”
Marshall Garrett, another neighbor who resides nearby, recounted his immediate response to the incident. He hurriedly made his way to the scene even before the arrival of the fire engines. In awe of the devastating sight, he compared it to a scene straight out of a movie.
Garrett described the initial sight as witnessing nothing but debris. However, as time passed, they began to observe the emergence of flames and the ascent of smoke into the atmosphere.
