Baltimore, Maryland – A home explosion in Essex, Maryland is currently under investigation by the Baltimore County Fire Department. The incident took place on the unit block of Crafton Road around 11:05 p.m. on Saturday night. Travis Francis, a spokesperson for the department, provided details on the situation, stating that the home was quickly engulfed in flames upon their arrival, leading to its destruction. Emergency crews immediately called for a 2nd-alarm alert to be issued.
During the response, a male victim with burn injuries approached first responders and was subsequently taken to the hospital for treatment. The circumstances surrounding his presence at the scene remain unclear and are subject to ongoing investigation. Fortunately, the homeowner and her children were not present at the time of the explosion, and neighbors had reported smelling natural gas earlier that evening, prompting a call to the gas company for inspection.
Neighbors recounted interactions with Baltimore Gas and Electric Company personnel who conducted assessments in the area, though no significant findings were reported. Fire department officials are diligently working to determine the cause of the fire and urge residents to promptly report any signs of gas leakage for immediate action. The incident has left a lasting impact on the community, with Francis emphasizing the fortunate absence of bystanders during the late-night occurrence.
As the investigation continues, authorities stress the importance of vigilance in detecting potential gas leaks to prevent similar incidents in the future. The resilience of the neighborhood in the face of adversity is evident as they come to terms with the aftermath of the devastating explosion. With the cause still under scrutiny, officials are committed to providing updates to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in the area.