Maryland Apartment Explosion: Sixth Victim Found in Debris; Missing Man Found Safe

SILVER SPRING, MD — Along with the grim discovery of a sixth body Monday in the burned remnants of a Silver Spring apartment building after an explosion, authorities said there was a bit of good news: One man believed to be missing is safe.

A total of seven victims — including two children — are now believed to be missing in the rubble of the Flower Branch Apartments in the 8700 block of Arliss St. in Silver Spring, which was hit by an explosion and fire on Aug. 10. Montgomery Police have identified all the victims missing after the explosion but have not positively identified the six victims whose remains have been taken to the Officer of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore.

Authorities could not say whether the bodies that have been recovered belonged to adults or children.

Police detectives were initially told eight people were unaccounted for from one of the apartment buildings destroyed by Wednesday night's fire. Investigators collected lease information from property managers and spoke to family and/or friends of the missing people, with the exception of Oscar Armando Ochoa. Detectives had not been able to confirm that he was in the apartment building at the time of the fire.

On Monday, detectives located Ochoa and confirmed in person that he is unharmed. He told investigators he had moved from the apartments and was not at the apartments at the time of the fire. Lease information had not been updated to reflect his move.

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 will move slowly due to the meticulous and methodical nature of the situation and the fact that the structure still remains a collapse hazard. While there is no cause of the fire, residents had raised the issue of the lingering smell of gas in the area.

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 photo courtesy of Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services; photo of victims from Montgomery County Police