1 killed, several trapped after multiple houses explode in Baltimore

By Laura French

Update 4:03 p.m. ET: Firefighters have rescued a fifth trapped person after a fatal explosion in Baltimore. 

Baltimore Firefighters IAFF Local 734 reported an adult man was freed from the rubble and transported in serious condition. The man was the last of the five victims known to be trapped after the blast. Four other survivors were rescued and transported in critical condition Monday morning. One woman was killed in the explosion and pronounced dead at the scene. 

Video posted on social media shows firefighters rescuing one of the victims from the debris. Union officials said search dogs have been brought in to search for any additional people that may be trapped in the rubble. The Maryland State Fire Marshal and Baltimore ATF have also been called to the scene. 

Gas company BGE is working with the fire department to determine the cause of the explosion and have turned off gas to all buildings in the immediate area. 

The National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region branch of the American Red Cross is assisting residents affected by the blast, which is reported to have damaged or destroyed at least three rowhomes. 

Original report:

BALTIMORE — At least one person was killed and five were trapped after a major explosion affecting several houses in Baltimore Monday morning. 

Baltimore Firefighters Local 734 reported that several houses exploded, trapping five people, including children, and that collapse response and a second alarm were called. 

The union later tweeted that off-duty Special Rescue Operations personnel and the Baltimore County Fire Department were called to the scene for support due to the size and complexity of the major incident. EMS units and the Baltimore City Office of Emergency Management also responded. 

As of approximately 12:15 p.m., four people were rescued by firefighters and transported in critical condition, and the fire department was communicating with one person still trapped with Special Rescue Operations personnel members working to reach the person. The union also tweeted that personnel will search for any possible additional occupants and that the cause of the blast is under investigation. 

FOX Baltimore reports that the blast was a gas explosion involving three homes. Officials said the victim pronounced dead at the scene was an adult woman.