Citizen Summary

Updates

Baltimore fire officials have released additional information regarding the deadly August 10 explosion on Labyrinth Road that left two dead, destroyed three houses and left seven others injured. 

According to officials, the explosion was caused when a natural gas buildup inside of 4232 Labyrinth Road was ignited when someone turned on a stove. 

The buildup, officials say, was caused by HVAC work at the home the day before. 

The HVAC work was done by a licensed contractor but the city has been unable to locate a permit for the work. 

20-year-old Joseph Graham and 61-year-old Lonnie Herriott perished in the blast. 

The investigation is still ongoing. 


Deadly Summer 2020 Explosion Caused by Natural Gas Buildup

Incident reported at Brookhill Rd & Reisterstown Rd.

Firefighters have received a report of an explosion near a gas station.

Firefighters have also received a report of a large cloud of debris in the area.

A building fire has also been reported in the area.

Firefighters have confirmed that an explosion has collapsed three houses.

A strong odor of gas has been reported in the area.

An updated report states that people may be trapped in one of the homes.

Citizen user footage shows smoke pouring from a house and debris littering the street.

Firefighters have confirmed that there are people trapped inside.

A firefighter reports multiple extrications in process: a woman, three children, and one additional victim.

A firefighter says a man has just been pulled from the debris.

A second victim has been recovered, with burns and fractures reported.

At this time three people have been recovered, while at least three people remain trapped.

Firefighters are removing debris amid a report of a young person trapped in a basement.

EMS are setting up for treatment and triage for victims with less serious injuries.

Firefighters are attempting to reach a person trapped in a basement.

A bomb squad is arriving on scene; there have been no reports of an explosive device.

Firefighters are requesting a supply unit respond with extra wood saws, chains, and fuel.

A police officer has requested a unit help with two dogs behind the building next to where the explosion occurred.

A firefighter reports they will be checking on gas levels of nearby houses and shutting gas off to some houses on the block.

Baltimore Gas and Electric representatives are responding to check residences on the side of the block where the explosion occurred.

Firefighters are staging at Labyrinth Road and Reisterstown Road.

Firefighters are continuing to search a rubble pile on the front side of the building.

One person was pronounced dead, according to the Baltimore Firefighters Union. Three patients in critical condition have been rescued.

Firefighters report two patients were transported to a hospital. One other person has minor injuries and another has presumed minor injuries.

Firefighters are pulling another victim out from the front side of the building. Their condition is unclear.

EMS report that two people were transported to hospitals with critical injuries; one other person was transported to a hospital with non-emergency injuries; and a fourth person refused treatment.

Off-duty Baltimore City Fire Department Special Rescue Operations personnel are being called in to the scene, according to the BCFD union. Search and rescue operations continue. The Baltimore County Fire Department is also supporting operations due to the size and complexity of the incident.

Firefighters report that three people are still missing.

Additional police units have been requested to the scene.

One woman was killed in the gas explosion, according to BCFD.

Firefighters are rescuing an additional person from the front of the building.

Firefighters report a woman sustained critical injuries. Firefighters are also communicating with a person trapped in a basement.

EMS advise that three children are still reported missing.

The explosion is classified as a major three-alarm incident and there are approximately 200 personnel on scene, according to the BCFD union.

Additional police officers have been requested to the scene.

An adult man and woman were reportedly rescued, per the BCFD union. They are both being transported to hospitals in serious condition. Firefighters are continuing to search for survivors amid reports of people unaccounted for.

The address reported for this incident has changed to Brookhill Rd & Reisterstown Rd.

Firefighters say a gas odor is still detectable in the area.

The cause of the explosion is under investigation as firefighters continue searching for survivors.

Per the most recent update from the Baltimore City Fire Department, a total of six people were involved in the explosion: a woman who was pronounced deceased, four people who were transported to hospitals in serious condition, and one occupant who remains trapped.

The American Red Cross is on hand assisting affected residents.

Firefighters are continuing to conduct secondary searches for victims and photograph and document the site. All searches have been negative so far.

The BCFD will provide an official update at 3 p.m.

Firefighters report Red Cross personnel are on scene to determine the number of people the explosion has displaced from their homes.

The Baltimore City Fire Department tweeted its personnel will continue to search the rubble overnight. Seven injured people have been taken to the hospital so far, in addition to the one fatality.

Displaced residents can get help at the American Red Cross station behind the Applebee's at 6798 Reisterstown Road. The Red Cross station that had been set up at the community center at the Milbrook Park Apartments is now closed.

The Baltimore City Fire Department has released the identities of the two individuals killed and the ages and conditions of the survivors of Monday’s gas explosion. The department said that firefighters located the body of 61-year-old Lonnie Herriott just before noon on Monday and 20-year-old Joseph Graham just before 1:00 a.m. on Tuesday. A 34-year-old man remains in critical condition. Two victims remain in stable condition, and four victims, including a 93-year-old man, have been discharged.