1 killed, several trapped after multiple houses explode in Baltimore
Baltimore's firefighters' union reported that five people were trapped, including children, after the major blast
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.
⚠️⚠️ANOTHER SURVIVOR RESCUED⚠️⚠️
— Baltimore Firefighters IAFF Local 734 (@BCFDL734) August 10, 2020
An adult male was just freed from the rubble by the multi-jurisdictional rescue operation. He is being transported by #BCFDEMS to the hospital in serious condition. Rescuers continue to search the debris for other survivors. pic.twitter.com/nc3Aju9gf9
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.
Video of one of the survivors being removed from the rubble by rescue crews.https://t.co/j2fy9jDyCb
— Baltimore Firefighters IAFF Local 734 (@BCFDL734) August 10, 2020
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.
⚠️⚠️MAJOR EXPLOSION WITH MULTIPLE PEOPLE TRAPPED⚠️⚠️ In the area of 6500 blk Reisterstown Rd 21215 Several houses...
Posted by Baltimore Firefighters Local 734 on Monday, August 10, 2020
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.
Off Duty #BCFDSRO Special Rescue Operations personnel are being called in to the scene. Search and rescue operations continue.@BaltimoreFire @BCFDL734 @officers964 are being supported by @BaltCoFire @iafflocal1311 due to the complexity and size of this incident. pic.twitter.com/tdS8P3eCHZ
— Baltimore Firefighters IAFF Local 734 (@BCFDL734) August 10, 2020
Update: 6 people involved in W. Baltimore gas explosion includes 4 people transported in serious condition, 1 adult woman deceased, & FFs continue to rescue additional occupant. The cause is under investigation as we continue to search for any possible additional occupants.
— Baltimore Fire (@BaltimoreFire) August 10, 2020
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.
BREAKING: At least one person is dead in what’s believed to have been a gas explosion that destroyed three houses in the 4200 block of Labrynth Road in NW Baltimore, Councilman Yitzy Schleifer says. pic.twitter.com/bI721NoHys
— Colin Campbell ☀️ (@cmcampbell6) August 10, 2020
On scene of a major gas explosion at Labyrinth and Reisterstown Rd. involving 3 homes. 2 occupants transported in serious condition, 1 adult woman deceased as BCFD continue to search for more. pic.twitter.com/4Hzrjkaled
— Baltimore Fire (@BaltimoreFire) August 10, 2020
#BCOFD // House Explosion// Multiple units from Baltimore County has been requested to assist Baltimore City Fire Department with a house explosion. ^MJ pic.twitter.com/zUQwrYcJ3K
— Baltimore County Fire Department (@BaltCoFire) August 10, 2020