The United States National Transportation Safety Board which oversees pipelines, is currently investigating a fatal natural gas explosion at a Bel Air, Maryland, residence that resulted in two deaths.
According to Associated Press, this information was confirmed by the agency on Monday.
State officials have identified the two deceased individuals and the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office is focusing on accidental causes, as no criminal activity has been detected.
The explosion, which occurred on Sunday morning, claimed the life of the homeowner, 73-year-old Ray Corkran Jr., and 35-year-old Jose Rodriguez-Alvarado, a contracted utility worker with Baltimore Gas and Electric, according to the fire marshal’s office.
Jennifer Gabris, an NTSB spokesperson, stated that NTSB pipeline investigators were present in Bel Air, located approximately 30 miles northeast of Baltimore, on Monday.
The on-scene investigation has been completed by Deputy State Fire Marshals and agents from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives who have since handed the site over to insurance representatives, the fire marshal’s office reported.
“Crews have already begun cleaning up the copious debris strewn throughout the neighborhood, and restoration companies are beginning to make repairs to nearby homes,” the fire marshal’s office announced in a news release on Monday.
Investigators are now shifting their attention to analyzing the evidence and data collected on Sunday.
This includes examining gas and electrical piping, conducting interviews, reviewing video surveillance, and analyzing data from BGE.
“While the explosion remains under investigation, there is no evidence of criminal activity, and they will continue to focus on accidental causes,” the fire marshal’s office added.
The explosion was reported at around 6:40 a.m. on Sunday, initially as a gas leak and an outdoor odor of gas.
As firefighters were on their way, they began receiving calls reporting that the house had exploded.
At the time of the explosion, two utility workers were in the vicinity to address a reported electrical issue.
A neighboring woman was treated for injuries at the scene. The blast also caused damage to nearby homes, displacing twelve families.
“Our hearts are broken for the two victims and their families. Our team of highly qualified investigators and our partners at ATF are dedicated to providing an answer that will lead to safer communities,” said Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray. “A tragedy of this size is heart-wrenching for Maryland.”
More than 60 first responders from various agencies were dispatched to the scene.
