Maryland
Federal officials investigating natural gas explosion in Maryland that killed 2
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.
COLUMBIA, Md. (WBFF) — An adult man was killed in a police-involved shooting in Columbia early Sunday, prompting an investigation by the Maryland Attorney General’s Independent Investigations Division.
Howard County police said officers were called on March 1, at about 12:09 a.m., to an apartment building in the 6400 block of Freetown Road for a report that involved an adult male threatening to harm himself.
According to police, at about 12:22 a.m., officers encountered the man outside the building. The man approached officers while holding a knife and ignored commands to drop the weapon, police said. Officers then shot the man.
ALSO READ | Gas leak explosion, fire in Prince George’s County leaves 1 injured
Officers attempted life-saving measures, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Officersrecovered a knife near the man.
No officers were injured, and the officers were equipped with body-worn cameras.
The Independent Investigations Division is investigating.
Anyone with information about this incident, including cell phone or private surveillance video, is asked to contact the IID at (410) 576–7070 or by email atIID@oag.maryland.gov.
The IID willgenerally releasethe name of the decedent and any involved officers within two business days of the incident, although that period may be extended, if necessary,pursuant toIID protocol.
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TheIID willgenerally releasebody-worn camera footage within 20 business days of an incident. There may be situations where more than 20 days is necessary, including if investigators need more time to complete witness interviews, if there are technical delays caused by the need to shield the identities of civilian witnesses, or to allow family members to view the video before it is released to the public.
Aircraft located in wooded area
HOLLYWOOD, Md. – First responders, including Maryland State Police from the Leonardtown Barrack, deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and EMS, responded to the area.
Maryland State Police Aviation Command assisted in the search and ultimately located the aircraft in a wooded area.
Preliminary investigation indicates a small ultralight aircraft crashed for reasons that remain under investigation.
Pilot pronounced dead
Authorities said the operator was the sole occupant of the aircraft and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The identity of the pilot has not been released pending notification of next of kin.
Officials said no photos of the crash scene will be released.
Investigation ongoing
The Maryland Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have been notified.
The investigation remains active.
The Source: This article was written using information provided by local emergency officials.
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