At least 5 trapped, 1 dead after massive gas explosion destroys houses in Baltimore
Get breaking news alerts and special reports. The news and stories that matter, delivered weekday mornings.
A massive gas line explosion rocked a neighborhood of northwest Baltimore on Monday morning, killing at least one person, officials said.
The blast — near Labyrinth and Reisterstown Roads — killed at least one woman and sent two people to nearby hospitals, according to the Baltimore City Fire Department.
Multiple homes appeared to be wiped out in the explosion, as firefighters frantically sifted through rubble to look for more possible victims.
"Several houses exploded," according to a statement by the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 734, a union that represents Baltimore firefighters.
"At least 5 people trapped, some children. A Collapse Respose and Second Alarm has been called."
The explosion happened shortly before 10 a.m., according to Baltimore Gas and Electric Company.
"We are on the scene and working closely with the fire department to make the situation safe," BGE spokeswoman Tasha Jamerson said in a statement.
"Crews are working to turn off gas to the buildings in the immediate area. Once the gas is off we can begin to safely assess the situation including inspections of BGE equipment."
This is a developing story, please refresh here for updates.
