Gas leak explosion kills 2 in Harford County
House explosion in Harford County leaves two dead, investigation ongoing
A suspected house explosion in Harford County, Maryland, early Sunday resulted in two fatalities, officials confirmed Sunday night.
Initially, one person was reported dead and two others injured. Later, during a news conference, Harford County Fire and EMS announced a second victim was found under the rubble and pronounced dead.
The fire department responded to a gas leak around 6:42 a.m. ET outside a residence on Arthurs Woods Drive in Bel Air. Upon arrival, authorities found one person deceased, according to Oliver Alkire of the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office.
As emergency crews approached, multiple calls reported that the gas leak had escalated into a house explosion. This incident displaced at least 12 families, authorities reported.
The area had a noticeable gas smell, and the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company had been informed, said Alkire. Contract workers from the gas and electric company were present addressing a separate electrical issue nearby when the explosion occurred.
The cause of the explosion remains uncertain, with investigators still processing the scene. Authorities are investigating whether it was intentional or accidental.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has yet to positively identify the second victim, but investigators suspect it to be the 73-year-old homeowner, as stated by the Maryland State Fire Marshal.
A neighbouring woman was injured inside her home during the explosion but received treatment. The affected house sustained the most damage, though multiple structures were impacted due to the blast radius.
A worker from the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company was also injured, though the extent of their injuries was not detailed.
Jeffrey Sexton, spokesperson for Harford County Fire and EMS, described the explosion as one of the largest he had witnessed.
A joint investigation by special operations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and local authorities is underway. Search and rescue operations continue as officials determine the blast radius.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened in Harford County, Maryland?
A house explosion early Sunday caused two deaths and injuries, displacing at least 12 families.
How many people died in the Harford County house explosion?
Two people died in the explosion.
What was the initial cause reported for the emergency response?
The initial cause was a reported gas leak.
Is the cause of the house explosion known?
Authorities are still investigating whether it was intentional or accidental.
Who is involved in the investigation of the explosion?
The investigation involves local authorities, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and special operations.
