ESSEX, MARYLAND – A devastating explosion destroyed a home in suburban Baltimore, leaving one person injured and prompting a rapid response from dozens of firefighters to extinguish the blaze.
According to Baltimore County fire officials, the incident occurred in the Essex community located east of Baltimore late Saturday night. Upon their arrival, firefighters found the residence fully engulfed in flames, as reported by local news outlet WBAL-TV.
The injured individual, a man with non-life-threatening burn injuries, was swiftly transported to the hospital. Lt. Twana Allen, fire department spokesperson, mentioned on Sunday that it remained unclear whether the injured person was inside the house during the explosion. Additionally, two neighboring homes sustained moderate damages as a result of the fire, which was successfully contained by Sunday morning. The cause of the explosion is currently under investigation by authorities.
Various agencies, including Baltimore Gas and Electric, hazardous materials teams, and fire investigators, were present at the site to assess the situation and ensure the safety of the surrounding neighborhood.
“We’re going to thoroughly investigate the incident to determine the cause and ensure the safety of the residents in the area,” commented Travis Francis, another spokesperson from the county fire department, in an interview with a local television station. “The priority is to understand the factors leading to the explosion and prevent similar occurrences in the future.”
Footage shared by the fire department on social media depicted smoke billowing from the remnants of the home, with debris scattered on the ground. The structural damage was evident, with collapsed roof gables and siding visible amid the wreckage.
As investigations continue, the community in Essex remains on edge, awaiting further updates on the circumstances surrounding the destructive explosion. The swift action of the firefighters and emergency response teams has been crucial in containing the situation and preventing further harm to residents in the area.