Maryland State Fire Marshal
News Release Martin O’Malley Governor
William E. Barnard State Fire Marshal
TWO INJURED DURING EXPLOSION IN HOME California, Maryland (August 16, 2011) – Deputy State Fire Marshals are investigating the cause of an early afternoon explosion of a home which injured two of its occupants. The origin and cause of the explosion remains under investigation at this time. Investigators are considering the home's propane tank and numerous gas appliances as possible sources of the explosion.
The 1:30 P.M. incident at 45915 Patuxent Lane was report by neighbors who heard a loud boom coming from the home. By-standers quickly started to search for the occupants and aided them from the home. First arriving responders found a side of the two story single family home had been blown away from the structure and a fire spreading rapidly. Carol Andrews, 67, and Robert Andrews, 80, were both transported by ambulance to St. Mary's Hospital Center for treatment. Mr. Andrews was released with no injuries and Mrs. Andrews was transferred to Washington Hospital Center for further treatment of burns.
Thirty-four firefighters from numerous departments
responded to the home.
Investigators have located debris from the home up to almost one-hundred feet away. The home is considered a total loss. The investigation will be continuing over the next day into the cause. -30Media contact: Jason M. Mowbray, Deputy Chief State Fire Marshal; 443-791-4758 1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208