Cause Determined in Apartment Explosion that Killed 7: Report

SILVER SPRING, MD — A natural gas leak caused the devastating explosion and fire that killed seven people at a Silver Spring apartment complex, says a local TV station, while Montgomery County and federal authorities will hold a press conference Friday to update the public on victim recovery and identification.

Multiple sources investigating the disaster at the Flower Branch Apartments in Silver Spring tell WJLA the fatal explosion was caused by a gas leak in a pipe or a piece of equipment at or near the gas meter of the building. Leaking gas built up in a lower level utility room until the explosion was sparked. Federal investigators will look at the gas transmission equipment for possible defects.

Officials from the Montgomery County Police Department, the county’s Fire and Rescue Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the National Transportation Safety Board will give updates on the investigation Friday morning. Authorities will also update the victim recovery and identification efforts, as well as the ongoing 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.

The NTSB said Wednesday it has launched an investigation into the explosion and fire that killed seven people. 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.

While there is no cause of the fire determined yet, 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.

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 seventh body was found in the burned remnants of the apartment building Tuesday evening. A total of seven victims — including two children — are believed to be missing in the rubble of the Flower Branch Apartments.

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.

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:

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

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)

Get free real-time news alerts from the Silver Spring Patch.

SUBSCRIBE

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