52°
Shortly before 6:45 a.m. on Aug. 11, first responders were called to the 2300 block of Arthur Woods Drive in Bel Air, to investigate a reported gas leak that was followed by an explosion, officials say.
One person remains unaccounted for, according to investigators.
The explosion sent debris flying across the street and onto neighboring properties, prompting a massive search and rescue effort in the neighborhood.
Several neighboring homes were also damaged during the incident. Residents have been advised to avoid the scene amid the ongoing investigation.
Master Deputy State Fire Marshal Oliver Alkire said that it was "one of the largest explosion (he has) every seen" in 18 years on the job.
"We will have to document each and every one of the houses that were affected by the explosion," he told a resident at a Sunday morning conference. "Multiple investigators are coming from across the state to assist, including our partners at ATF.
"Due to the blast radius, there's going to be multiple structures affected, so investigators have to document each and every one of those and figure out how far the blast radius was."
The explosion is being investigated by the Maryland Fire Marshal, ATF Baltimore, and the. Harford County Sheriff.
More information is expected to be released.
Check Daily Voice for updates.
Want breaking news in the DMV as it happens, or want to contribute? Join the DMV All Incidents Facebook group.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Hagerstown and receive free news updates.
