A contractor for Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) and a 73-year-old man, believed to be the homeowner, were killed in a house explosion Sunday morning in Harford County. A neighbor was also injured, and 12 families in the community have been displaced.
Oliver Alkire, of the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office, stated that the house was for sale and that the homeowner, who used a wheelchair, was expected to meet with a realtor.
"He was home, from my understanding and the information we received, he was actually preparing to list his home for sale today," Alkire said. "He was actually prepared to meet with a realtor today and list that today."
What caused the explosion?
Emergency responders reported that a gas leak in the 2300 block of Arthurs Woods Drive in Bel Air South led to the house explosion shortly after 6:30 a.m.
Alkire mentioned that an electrical issue was reported around the home Saturday night, prompting BGE to send a crew for a follow-up check on Sunday morning after an initial assessment.
Before the crew arrived, a Harford County public works employee called 911 to report a gas leak. The employee left before BGE arrived, and the explosion occurred soon after.
One of the BGE contractors, Jose Rodriguez-Alvarado, 35, was found dead at the scene, while the homeowner, Ray Corkran Jr., 73, was later found in the debris.
BGE confirmed the presence of their contractors at the home at the time of the explosion.
"There were about 60 personnel on the scene from the start of the incident," said Jeffrey Sexton, spokesperson for Harford County Fire and EMS.
The Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office is leading the investigation, in collaboration with the Harford County Sheriff's Office and the ATF, to determine the cause of the explosion.
The Harford County Department of Emergency Services has opened a hotline for residents to report any information related to the blast. Residents who smell gas or have experienced damage to their homes are urged to contact the hotline at 410-838-5800.
"I Thought a Bomb Exploded"
Neighbors were awakened by a loud boom on Sunday morning, which was felt several blocks away. Some thought it might have been an earthquake, while others suspected different causes.
"You had no idea what was going on. I thought a bomb exploded," said Kathy Genova, who lives near the explosion site.
Many nearby homeowners reported broken windows and falling debris.
"I woke up and the windows were all out of place," Genova added.
Neighbors were shaken after hearing the explosion had killed two people.
"I got out of my house, and everyone in my neighborhood was basically like 'What just happened?'" said Katie Hershel, a nearby resident.
"Windows were out, sliding glass door frames were up, cabinets open, things off the walls," Genova explained.
"I looked and saw, I felt like lightning at my house, so I was looking for damage, but I didn't visibly see anything," Hershel added. "Just a lot of debris on our main road behind our house."
Safety Concerns Among Neighbors
Some neighbors attended an emergency responders' briefing on Sunday morning to ask if it was safe to return home.
"In case there may be structural damage and foundational damages," said neighbor Lisa Czawlytko. "We wanted to know if we need to evacuate or not."
"The more you walk around, the more you see. I am seeing cracks in my ceiling," said Genova.
Debris from the explosion was found nearly half a mile away.
"The debris field is wide," said Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly. "Big pieces of debris in a pretty wide area, and insulation is still coming down like a snowfall."
Cassilly noted that emergency responders from across the county are working around the clock to ensure everyone affected receives the necessary assistance.
"Our structural engineers are inspecting homes to ensure there are no structural concerns. Lots of windows are out from the blast and debris," Cassilly added.
Harbaugh Offers Condolences
Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh expressed his condolences upon learning of the explosion.
"We just want to say our prayers and our thoughts are going out for all those involved in the Bel Air house explosion," Harbaugh said. "We want to express that to all of the families and friends who are involved in that right now, all the first responders as well. We just encourage everybody's safety and to do the best in those areas to be safe."
