Bel Air home explosion kills two people and displaces 12 families due to gas leak

On August 11, a tragic event occurred in Bel Air, Maryland, when a house explosion led to the deaths of two individuals and the displacement of 12 families. Firefighters were called to the scene around 6:40 a.m. for reports of a gas leak, and shortly after, the house exploded.

The Aftermath of the Explosion

The house explosion resulted in significant damage to surrounding residences, with numerous neighbors witnessing and experiencing the blast. Two individuals succumbed to their injuries, and 12 families were forced to evacuate their homes, as confirmed by fire officials.

Cause and Impact

Oliver Alkire, a master deputy with the State Fire Marshal's Office, reported that firefighters were approaching the site of the gas leak when they began receiving calls indicating that the house had exploded.

First responders pronounced one victim dead at the scene, and a second body was later discovered among the debris. The State Fire Marshal's Office stated that the first victim was a contractor for the utility company BGE. The identity of the second victim is believed to be the 73-year-old homeowner, pending positive identification.

Community Displacement and Damage

The explosion caused considerable damage to neighboring houses, resulting in the evacuation of at least 12 families. The blast radius and the extent of damage to other properties is under investigation. Fire officials have determined that there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Master deputy Oliver Alkire remarked on the magnitude of the explosion, stating, "I’ve been on the job for nearly 18 years, and this is one of the largest explosions I’ve seen."

Witness Accounts and Reactions

Residents of nearby condominiums and townhouses experienced the explosion firsthand, with some reporting structural damage and others describing the force as feeling like an earthquake. The incident prompted questions about safety at a nearby library where some residents had sought refuge.