Maryland Apartment Explosion: 7th Body Found; Cause Could Be Known By End of Week

UPDATED at 8:45 p.mm. SILVER SPRING, MD — A seventh body was found in the burned remnants of a Silver Spring apartment building after an explosion, authorities said Tuesday evening, and investigators hope to determine a cause of the deadly blast by the end of the week.

A total of seven victims — including two children — are believed to be missing in the rubble of the Flower Branch Apartments in the 8700 block of Arliss Street in Silver Spring, which was rocked by an explosion and fire on Aug. 10. 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.

That confirmation could come in the next couple of days. Authorities could not say whether the bodies that have been recovered belonged to adults or children.

“We’re hopeful that the identification process will be moving much further forward in the next couple of days,” Montgomery County police Assistant Chief Russ Hamill told WTOP.

And an agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said investigators hope to know the cause of the blast by the end of this week. 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.

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.

The seven victims have been identified as:

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

Anyone with information can call 311 or the police non-emergency line at 301-279-8000.

The joint investigation between the Montgomery County Police Department, the Department of Fire and Rescue Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is ongoing. Search and rescue efforts continue.

Officials stressed that the investigation has moved slowly due to the meticulous and methodical nature of the situation and the fact that the structure still remains a collapse hazard.

SEE ALSO:

• 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

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)

1. Go to: www.MHPartners.org
2. Click on “Give Direct” (on right side of your screen)
3. 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 Monday 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 Police