Nine Injured in Maryland Gas Explosion

Eight firefighters and one gas worker were injured on Thursday, May 7 when a natural gas leak in a Maryland strip mall unexpectedly ignited. Fortunately the buildings had been evacuated before the explosion, so injuries were kept to a minimum. All but two of the injured parties were treated on the scene and released; two firefighters were taken to the Washington Hospital Center’s burn unit.

According to a Prince George’s County Fire and EMS spokesman, one firefighter is being treated for chest injuries caused by flying debris, while the other has sustained second degree burns to his face. Both are reportedly in fair condition.

The series of events began around 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, when the Forestville, MD fire department received a call about a natural gas leak in one of the town’s strip malls. About 25 shoppers and store employees were evacuated and firefighters were sent to the scene to ensure the leak was repaired safely. Just moments after they arrived, witnesses say, there was a sudden explosion.

It is still unclear exactly what caused the gas being leaked to ignite. Six of the strip mall’s stores were damaged in the blast. The total damage done to these businesses is an estimated $2.5 million. EMS spokesman Mark Brady says that unfortunately, the precise cause of the explosion may never be discovered due to “the nature of the explosion.”

If you have been injured in a fire or other emergency caused by poor building maintenance, you may be eligible for financial compensation from the party responsible. To learn more, contact explosion injury attorneys Williams Kherkher at 800-220-9341.