House Explosion In Lansdowne Injures One: Baltimore County Fire

LANSDOWNE, MD — Officials said a contractor was seriously injured after the townhouse where he was working in the Baltimore Highlands exploded. A family of four was able to get out of the home, and several residences nearby sustained damage.

Crews were called to the 4200 block of Twin Circle Way at 12:02 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16, for a reported house explosion and fire. There was an odor of gas and the sound of an explosion, 911 callers reported.

Investigators said that the contractor had been refinishing a bathtub when chemicals ignited.

When first responders arrived at the scene of the reported gas explosion, they found heavy fire conditions, according to the Lansdowne Volunteer Fire Company.

The back wall was in danger of collapsing, and more firefighters were dispatched, officials said.

A hazmat team and additional medic were called to assist, the Arbutus Volunteer Fire Company reported, noting the victim's burns were severe. By 12:22 p.m., authorities said the fire had been knocked.

One home sustained heavy damage, while three others were damaged less severely from the fire and explosion, officials reported.

The explosion and fire were ruled accidental as a result of the chemicals involved in the bathtub refinishing process igniting. Officials said there were multiple sources of ignition.

A 29-year-old man was taken to the burn unit at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. He was at first classified as critical, and later officials said his condition had stabilized.

As of Thursday, authorities said the contractor remained at the burn center.