Two people have been confirmed dead in an explosion and fire at an apartment complex in Silver Spring.
2 dead in #SilverSpring explosion. @ABC2NEWS
— Cassie Carlisle (@CassieABC2) August 11, 2016
Thirty-one people were taken to the hospital along with three firefighters who had minor injuries. Up to seven people were still missing as of Thursday morning.
Three firefighters suffered minor heat exhaustion, fire officials said. Two apartment buildings were damaged in the explosion.
According to Montgomery County Fire officials, apartments on the 8700 block of Piney Branch Road near Arliss Street caught fire around midnight. An off duty Montgomery County Police Officer called in the explosion. Natural gas fueled the fire, which caused the buildings to collapse.
Update - Piney Branch Rd, natrl gas fed fire w/ electrical hazards as well, heavy fire & structural damage, FFs evacuating & exiting bldg
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) August 11, 2016
Shocking scene outside Silver Spring. 2 apt buildings damaged in explosion. 5-7 people still missing. @ABC2NEWS pic.twitter.com/N4MgxnSjAr
— Brendan McNamara (@BrendanABC2) August 11, 2016
Firefighters worked throughout the night to rescue residents, but some are still unaccounted for. The fire called for a huge response from local emergency service members.
About 90 residents have been displaced. Emergency crews are working to make the building safe, saying it's still a collapse hazard.
The Long Branch Community Center is where displaced residents can go for food and shelter. More than 100 people were served breakfast Thursday morning.
Buildings damaged even across the street! Debris flew very far. @ABC2NEWS pic.twitter.com/C8kDi8IuNo
— Brendan McNamara (@BrendanABC2) August 11, 2016
MCFRS units remain on the scene in the 8600 Blk of Piney Branch Rd to manage hot spots and to account for all residents.
— MCFRSNews (@MCFRSNews) August 11, 2016
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