Apartment Explosion: Local Investigators Done, New Federal Agency Joins Case

SILVER SPRING, MD — Local authorities said Wednesday they have finished their investigation into the explosion and fire that killed seven people at a Silver Spring apartment complex, but a federal agency said its investigation into the disaster has just begun.

The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into the Aug. 10 explosion and fire at the Flower Branch Apartments on Arliss Street. Fire department officials say 28 apartment units were destroyed and 50 families were displaced by the disaster.

Dozens of residents were injured at the scene, some from burns and others from broken bones as they jumped from the third and fourth floors of the buildings.

NTSB investigators from the Office of Railroad, Pipeline, and Hazardous Materials Investigations have been on scene of the accident since Aug. 11 assisting the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and Montgomery County fire authorities in work to determine the source of the explosion. Representatives from Washington Gas Company have assisted with the evidence recovery and system testing.

Fire Department spokesman Pete Piringer said Wednesday afternoon that the department has concluded its on-site fire investigation. Residents should expect the ATF final report in a few days, he said.

SEE ALSO:

• Maryland Apartment Explosion: 7th Body Found; Cause Could Be Known By End of Week
• Maryland Apartment Blast: 'I Think I Lost a Friend'
• Maryland Apartment Explosion: 2 Dead, 32 Injured, Others Missing [UPDATED]
• How to Help Victims of Maryland Apartment Fire
• Maryland Apartment Explosion: 3rd Body Found, 5 Missing Identified, How to Help

A seventh body was found in the burned remnants of the apartment building Tuesday evening. A total of seven victims — including two children — are believed to be missing in the rubble of the Flower Branch Apartments.

Montgomery Police have identified all the victims missing after the explosion but have not yet positively identified the seven victims whose remains have been taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore.

The names and photos of the seven victims have been released, and officials are asking the public to come forward if they have any information about those reported missing.

• Saeda Ibrahim, 41
• Augusto Jimenez Sr., 62
• Maria Auxiliadorai Castellon-Martinez, 53
• Aseged Mekonen, 34
• Deibi “David” Samir Lainez Morales, 8
• Fernando Josue Hernandez Orellana, 3
• Saul Paniagua, 65

While there is no cause of the fire, residents had raised the issue of the lingering smell of natural gas in the area, which the fire department and an ATF official said they are investigating.

Adrian Boya said he smelled gas for weeks in the area. "I called 911, they came and told us it smelled like incense," Boya told NBC Washington. “It's like they didn't take us seriously."

In the days before the explosion, there was a strong smell of gas on Flower, about a block from the apartment complex, Joy West said.

Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett said that a natural gas odor was reported on July 25. Firefighters responded to that complaint, could not verify the smell and left the scene. Washington Gas says it is cooperating in the investigation into the explosion, as well as the early complaint of a gas smell.

How to Help Victims of Apartment Fire

CASA de Maryland warns that people are calling on behalf of CASA asking for money. CASA is not making phone calls to ask for donations, the agency says.

MAIL (via check) FINANCIAL DONATION

Montgomery Housing Partnership

(Attn: Long Branch Fire)

12200 Tech Road, Suite 250

Silver Spring, MD 20904

[*] Write LONG BRANCH FIRE in check memo

ONLINE FINANCIAL DONATION

Montgomery Housing Partnership (Easiest – and preferred by charity)

Go to: www.MHPartners.org

Click on “Give Direct” (on right side of your screen)

Input amount and credit card number

[*] Make sure you indicate LONG BRANCH FIRE in the "comment" box

If you can volunteer as a Spanish or French interpreter for affected families, email mlarue@wearecasa.org.

Tax help for Flower Branch victims

Maryland’s Comptroller Peter Franchot said his office will offer help to residents of the apartments affected by the fire.

Any resident of the apartment complex who may not be able to pay their tax obligations on time, or pay the right amount, can call his office so that alternative arrangements can be made.

Anyone looking for assistance should call Special Assistant Mariela Cruz at 410-260-4020. Residents who need help can also email mcruz@comp.state.md.us

Long Branch Library Resources

Montgomery County Public Libraries Long Branch is providing services to support residents who lost their homes and personal belongings. The Long Branch Library at 8800 Garland Ave. in Silver Spring offers:

• Spanish speakers on staff
• Computers and laptops for work and personal use
• Charging stations
• Free fast Wi-Fi
• Books, toys, and games
• Air Conditioner

Additionally, the library staff will provide library resources and materials to residents who are staying at the emergency shelter established at the Long Branch Community Recreation Center.

»Flower Branch fire photos courtesy of Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services; photo of victims from Montgomery County Polic