An explosion leveled a house in Bel Air, Maryland on Sunday morning, killing at least one person, injuring two others, and damaging surrounding homes after a reported gas leak.

The blast, which occurred around 6:42 a.m. on Arthur Woods Drive, has left the local community in shock and raised significant safety concerns. Early reports indicate residents smelled gas in the area before the explosion, and two Baltimore Gas and Electric workers were on-site investigating an electrical issue. The incident is now under extensive investigation by local, state, and federal officials, who are treating the area as a crime scene due to the extensive debris field. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives is also involved, and authorities are urging residents to stay away from the area while emergency personnel continue their work.

Master Deputy State Fire Marshal Oliver Alkire described the blast as one of the largest explosions he had ever witnessed. The intense explosion not only obliterated the house but also inflicted significant damage on adjacent homes. Authorities have stated that the cause of the explosion remains under investigation, but a gas leak was reported in the vicinity before the explosion occurred.

Emergency responders, including approximately 60 personnel, were immediately dispatched to the scene. Their primary objective was to locate any other potential victims amid the widespread debris. Harford County officials have confirmed that no one else appears to be trapped within the wreckage at this time.

The explosion resulted in the tragic death of at least one individual. However, the identity of the deceased is still to be confirmed, and there is uncertainty as to whether the victim was one of the Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) workers who were present at the site. These workers had been investigating an electrical issue just prior to the explosion. Additionally, two other individuals sustained injuries and required medical attention. Among them, a woman from a neighboring house was treated on the spot for minor injuries resulting from the blast.

In an effort to ensure the safety of residents and assist in the ongoing investigation, officials have requested that the public maintain a safe distance from the vicinity of Arthur Woods Drive. They have also emphasized the importance of refraining from flying personal drones overhead as investigators thoroughly examine the scene. These measures are critical to preserving the integrity of the investigation and ensuring public safety.

Despite the extensive damage, local authorities have advised that there is no current threat to the broader public. Firefighters responding to the reported gas leak were already present when the explosion occurred, which enabled a swift reaction to the unfolding emergency. The structure has been completely leveled, with debris scattered extensively, further complicating rescue and investigatory efforts.

Residents in the area said the house that exploded had been listed for sale. The sudden destruction of the property has not only caused significant material loss but has also instilled a sense of unease in the community. The shockwaves from the explosion reverberated through Bel Air, and the emotional toll on the residents is palpable. Many are grappling with the impact of the event, especially as they contend with damaged homes and the potential danger they feel it represents.

Authorities have asked residents within the blast radius to report any structural damage to their properties. This information is crucial for assessing the full extent of the damage and initiating appropriate response measures. As of now, no evacuations have been ordered, but officials remain vigilant and ready to take necessary actions if further risks are identified.

The involvement of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) highlights the severity of the situation. Their expertise is essential in unraveling the complex factors that might have led to this catastrophic explosion. Treating the scene as a crime site means every piece of evidence must be meticulously collected and analyzed.

The community's resilience is being tested as they wait for answers and work together to recover from this unexpected disaster. For now, the immediate focus remains on ensuring the safety of all residents and supporting those affected by the explosion. The full details surrounding the cause of the explosion are expected to come to light as the investigation progresses.