Natural Gas Blast Led to Maryland Apartment Fire, 3 Bodies Identified

SILVER SPRING, MD — A natural gas leak in the basement of an apartment building caused the devastating explosion and fire that killed seven people at a Silver Spring complex, federal investigators said Friday, while authorities said they have identified three victims found in the ruins.

Investigators working to unravel what caused the disaster at the Flower Branch Apartments in Silver Spring say the explosion was caused by a gas leak in the meter room of the building. Leaking gas built up in the room until the explosion was sparked. Federal investigators will look at the gas transmission equipment for possible defects.

Daniel Board, the head of the Baltimore field office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, said at a news conference that "there is no indication that a criminal act occurred."

Investigators are still trying to determine the source that ignited the gas buildup, Board said, but there are many possible sources in the apartment building, which had gas stoves and heaters.

Assistant Montgomery County Police Chief Russ Hamill said DNA has been used to identify three victims found in the burned-out apartment building. They are:

• Augusto Jimenez Sr., 62
• Maria Auxiliadorai Castellon-Martinez, 53
• Saul Paniagua, 65

Authorities do not believe there are any people unaccounted for, and work continues by forensic scientists to identify the four sets of remains that were removed from the rubble, Hamill said. But he had no timeline on how long the process might take, as families wait to bury their loved ones.

“We understand the agony of the families, we understand the daily toll this takes, it’s almost unimaginable," Hamill said. "We will do everything we can to get these tests done correctly and as quickly as possible.”

Officials from the National Transportation Safety Board are now in charge of the investigation into the cause of the Aug. 10 explosion and fire at the apartments, located in the 8700 block of Arliss Street in Silver Spring.

An NTSB agent said Friday it could take months to review all the evidence and determine exactly what went wrong.

A total of 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.

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. Officials said Friday that all the other apartments in the complex have been checked for gas leaks and none have been found.

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. Federal investigators urged any residents who had noted gas leaks to contact the NTSB.

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 total of seven victims — including two children — were killed in the explosion and fire. The four remaining victims are:

• Saeda Ibrahim, 41
• Aseged Mekonen, 34
• Deibi “David” Samir Lainez Morales, 8
• Fernando Josue Hernandez Orellana, 3

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

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 Police