A contractor for Baltimore Gas and Electric who had been called out for a report of a gas leak was killed along with a 73-year-old resident after an apparent explosion leveled a house in Bel Air, fire officials said Sunday.
Officials were initially called for a report of a gas leak at around 6:45 a.m. in the 2300 block of Arthurs Woods Drive and while en route were notified a home had exploded, Master Deputy State Fire Marshal Oliver Alkire said.
One person was found dead, and another was injured and refused treatment. Alkire said a BGE contractor was on-site at the time of the blast, and Harford Fire & EMS later confirmed he was the person found dead.
Another person was said to be unaccounted for, and later Sunday a man presumed to be the homeowner was found dead, said Andrew Doyle, a spokesperson for Harford County Fire and EMS, said.
Firefighters said there is no ongoing threat to the public.
A photo posted by county officials Sunday morning showed a number of firefighters around the rubble of the home with another damaged home in the background. Charred pieces of wood were heaped on the property, and insulation and splintered wood spilled into the street. Emergency services personnel were using special equipment to search the rubble.
The total number of structures damaged by the blast is still being counted, officials said Sunday evening, and at least 12 families have been displaced.
Officials said the house was for sale. Online real estate listings for the more than 5,000-square-foot home show the property for sale for $824,900.
The Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal and BGE are conducting an investigation, officials said in a post on X.
Harford County opened a hotline for residents to report information about the blast, including any damage to their homes. People can call 410-838-5800.
Associated Press reporter Brian Witte contributed to this report.
