‘Major explosion’ damages homes, traps residents in Baltimore

Baltimore fire officials reported a “major explosion” in the city Monday that has killed at least one person. 

The Baltimore firefighters union said in a tweet around 10 a.m. that a major explosion had trapped at least five people, including some children, and said several houses exploded.

Shortly after, the union said in an update that three patients, all in critical condition, had been rescued by firefighters and a Special Rescue Operations unit was searching to rescue others. 

Around 10:30 a.m. the union said that one person was pronounced dead on scene and a third person is still trapped. 

(3) patients, all critical have been rescued by Firefighters. Special Rescue Operations units have arrived and are beginning to search and rescue the other patients.

(6) #BCFDEMS medic units have been called. Units from @BaltCoFire have been called to help.

@CitizenAppBALT https://t.co/GtmvfbRVYZ pic.twitter.com/5nJmHbFX6U

— Baltimore Firefighters IAFF Local 734 (@BCFDL734) August 10, 2020

The union said officials from Baltimore Gas and Electric, the Baltimore office of emergency management and the Baltimore County Fire Department were on scene assisting with the ongoing rescue operations.

Rescue operations ongoing.@BaltCoFire @iafflocal1311 units assisting.

This is a major incident. @BCFDL734 President Langford is on scene supporting our members.

Fire Communications personnel are doing an outstanding job supporting this incident. pic.twitter.com/rHm9ABGzCT

— Baltimore Firefighters IAFF Local 734 (@BCFDL734) August 10, 2020