Current:Home > reviewsFederal officials investigating natural gas explosion in Maryland that killed 2 -Stellar Financial Insights
Federal officials investigating natural gas explosion in Maryland that killed 2
View
Date:2025-04-17 14:50:48
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — The National Transportation Safety Board, which has jurisdiction over pipelines, is investigating a natural gas explosion at a home in Bel Air, Maryland, that killed two people, the agency said Monday.
Meanwhile, state officials have identified the two people who died, and the state fire marshal’s office said they are focusing on accidental causes because there is no evidence of criminal activity.
Ray Corkran Jr., the 73-year-old homeowner, died in the Sunday morning explosion, officials said. Jose Rodriguez-Alvarado, a 35-year-old contracted utility employee with Baltimore Gas and Electric, also died, the state fire marshal’s office said.
Jennifer Gabris, an NTSB spokesperson, confirmed that NTSB pipeline investigators were on the scene Monday in Bel Air, a town about about 30 miles (48 kilometers) northeast of Baltimore.
Deputy state fire marshals and agents with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives have concluded their on-scene investigation and turned the scene over to insurance representatives, the fire marshal’s office said.
“Crews have already begun cleaning up the copious debris strewn throughout the neighborhood, and restoration companies are beginning to make repairs to nearby homes,” the fire marshal’s office said in a news release Monday.
Investigators will now focus on reviewing the evidence and data they collected on Sunday, the fire marshal’s office said. That includes gas and electrical piping, interviews, video surveillance and data from BGE.
“While the explosion remains under investigation, there is no evidence of criminal activity, and they will continue to focus on accidental causes,” the fire marshal’s office said.
Firefighters were called to the area around 6:40 a.m. Sunday for a report of a gas leak and an outdoor odor of gas. As firefighters were approaching, they began receiving calls that the house had exploded.
Two utility workers were in the area to work on a reported electrical issue at the time.
A woman in a house next door was treated for injuries on the scene.
Neighbors in the vicinity reported a variety of damage to their homes from the explosion. Twelve families were displaced.
“Our hearts are broken for the two victims and their families. Our team of highly qualified investigators and our partners at ATF are dedicated to providing an answer that will lead to safer communities,” said Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray. “A tragedy of this size is heart-wrenching for Maryland.”
More than 60 first responders came to the scene from multiple agencies.
veryGood! (9942)
Related
- Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in Texas
- Red Sox great David Ortiz, who frustrated Yankees, honored by New York Senate
- Miss USA resignations: CW 'evaluating' relationship with pageants ahead of live ceremonies
- Massachusetts is turning a former prison into a shelter for homeless families
- Questlove charts 50 years of SNL musical hits (and misses)
- Proposed settlement is first step in securing Colorado River water for 3 Native American tribes
- Third Real Housewives of Potomac Star Exits Amid Major Season 9 Cast Shakeup
- Psst! Everything at J. Crew Factory Is up to 60% off Right Now, Including Cute Summer Staples & More
- Federal hiring is about to get the Trump treatment
- New Jersey lawmakers pass overhaul of state’s open records law
Ranking
- FACT FOCUS: Inspector general’s Jan. 6 report misrepresented as proof of FBI setup
- Comet the Shih Tzu is top Toy at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
- Khloe Kardashian Brings Kids True and Tatum Thompson to Cheer on Dad Tristan Thompson at Basketball Game
- Maine to spend $25 million to rebuild waterfront after devastating winter storms and flooding
- Gen. Mark Milley's security detail and security clearance revoked, Pentagon says
- Dispute over transgender woman admitted to Wyoming sorority to be argued before appeal judges
- US energy panel approves rule to expand transmission of renewable power
- Florida man who survived Bahamas shark attack shares how he kept his cool: 'I'll be alright'
Recommendation
What to know about Tuesday’s US House primaries to replace Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz
New Mexico judge halts state mandate for school districts to adopt calendars with more school days
Removal of remainder of Civil War governor’s monument in North Carolina starting
Duke University graduates walk out ahead of Jerry Seinfeld's commencement address
Israel lets Palestinians go back to northern Gaza for first time in over a year as cease
Waymo is latest company under investigation for autonomous or partially automated technology
43 tons of avocado: Texas market sets World Record with massive fruit display
Polish activists criticize Tusk’s government for tough border policies and migrant pushbacks