Tragedy struck in Harford County, Maryland, as two individuals lost their lives in an apparent house explosion early Sunday morning. The incident, which occurred in Bel Air, northeast of Baltimore, resulted in one person initially reported dead and two others injured. However, a second victim was later discovered beneath the rubble and pronounced dead by Harford County Fire and EMS officials.
The sequence of events began with a call to the fire department reporting a gas leak outside a residence on Arthurs Woods Drive. Upon arrival, emergency responders were met with a devastating scene as the gas leak had escalated into a full-blown house explosion. The blast not only claimed lives but also displaced at least 12 families in the vicinity.
Authorities noted the presence of a gas odor in the area, with the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company already informed about the situation. Interestingly, the company's contract workers were on-site addressing electrical issues nearby when the explosion occurred, raising questions about the incident's cause.
While investigations are ongoing, officials are yet to determine whether the explosion was intentional or accidental. The house, which was up for sale, is at the center of scrutiny as authorities work to unravel the circumstances leading to the tragic event.
Amidst the chaos, a neighboring woman sustained injuries but received prompt medical attention. Additionally, a Baltimore Gas and Electric Company worker was also hurt, although the severity of their injuries remains undisclosed.
The aftermath of the explosion left a trail of destruction, with multiple structures affected due to the blast radius. Jeffrey Sexton, a spokesperson for the Harford County Fire and EMS, described the explosion as one of the largest he had witnessed, underscoring the magnitude of the incident.
As investigations progress, a joint effort involving special operations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and local authorities is underway. Search and rescue operations are ongoing as officials strive to assess the full extent of the blast's impact on the community.
