Gas Explosion Leaves 2 Dead, 7 Hospitalized: Baltimore Fire

BALTIMORE, MD — Two people died and seven were hospitalized after an explosion leveled homes in northwest Baltimore Monday morning, according to authorities. Crews searched for anyone who remained trapped in the rubble, combing through the debris into the night, fire officials said.

The explosion on Labyrinth at Reisterstown roads erupted before 10 a.m., according to authorities. BGE reported it was summoned by the Baltimore Fire Department at 9:54 a.m.

Authorities said three homes were involved, and the cause remains under investigation. A woman was found dead at the scene Monday, and firefighters found a man's body before 1 a.m. while digging through the wreckage.

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"A lot of houses have been destroyed," Baltimore Mayor Bernard "Jack" Young said at a news conference about the explosion livestreamed by WBFF Monday afternoon.

"This is a tragic incident," Baltimore City Council President Brandon Scott said at the news conference. "I need the entire city of Baltimore right now to focus on hopeful prayers" for the individuals affected, he said, because: "This is something that no one should ever have to experience."

Scott described the explosion as "absolutely devastating." Said Scott: "The tragedy hit close to home as I received a call from my mother who works nearby in the Reisterstown Plaza. She heard the blast from her job."

Multiple agencies were assisting in the response, including the Red Cross, which was helping people to find shelter and supplies. About 250 residents were displaced, according to the Red Cross of the National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region.

Environmental officials issued an alert Monday due to poor air quality, and temperatures felt like they were nearly 100 degrees Monday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. To help people escape the heat, the Maryland Transit Administration sent air-conditioned coach buses to Reisterstown Station.

When emergency personnel received the initial call, they were told at least five people were trapped, the Baltimore Firefighters Union IAFF Local 734 said.

Residents heard people screaming for help from the rubble, including children, and one person was buried up to the shoulders, The Baltimore Sun reported. One woman told the newspaper she heard a noise, went outside and saw a "house on the ground."

After rescuing multiple victims, the Baltimore Fire Department reported four people were taken to area hospitals in serious condition. One woman was pronounced deceased at the scene, and a man who was later pulled from the debris around noon was hospitalized in serious condition, fire personnel said.

Although it characterized the incident as a "gas explosion," the fire department reported after noon the precise cause remains under investigation.

BGE was still working to turn off the gas main after 3:30 p.m., according to spokesperson Linda Foy. Parts of the utility line were inaccessible because of the debris, Foy said, and some electrical lines were also impacted by the blast. She said some people may be without power or gas as crews work on the lines.

About 200 first responders were at the scene of the three-alarm incident, the Baltimore Firefighters Union IAFF Local 734 reported, including special operations personnel and those from multiple jurisdictions. Crews from Baltimore and Howard counties were assisting, and so were federal authorities from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal was also on hand and sent its drone to help get an aerial view to assist with search and rescue efforts, investigators said.

The governor said he is ready to assist as needed.

"We are closely monitoring the situation in northwest Baltimore following this morning’s horrific explosion," Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said in a statement after 11:30 a.m. "We have reached out to offer our full support to the ongoing response and recovery efforts, and are deeply grateful to the first responders on the scene."

Reisterstown Road is closed between Clarks Lane and Fallstaff Road for the emergency response, the Baltimore City Department of Transportation said in a statement before 1:30 p.m.; drivers should take alternate routes.

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PREVIOUS REPORT: One person died and one remains trapped after an explosion in Baltimore Monday morning, according to officials. Firefighters have rescued several people and are still communicating with one person trapped in the rubble, authorities reported before 10:30 a.m.

The explosion in the 6500 block of Reisterstown Road erupted before 10 a.m., according to the Baltimore Firefighters Union IAFF Local 34.

Multiple houses exploded, and at least five people were trapped, officials said of the initial report. Three people were rescued, and all are in critical condition, firefighters said.

A second-alarm was called, and crews from Baltimore City EMS and the Baltimore County Fire Department were called for backup.

Baltimore's Office of Emergency Management and BGE were at the scene, officials reported.