In Bel Air, Maryland, a serene Sunday morning was shattered by a catastrophic house explosion that left at least one person dead and multiple others injured. This incident, which took place around 6:40 a.m., has not only claimed a life but also caused extensive damage to the surrounding neighborhood.

Local residents described waking up to the sound of a massive blast that reverberated through their homes, shaking foundations and damaging nearby properties. Greg Clifford, a resident living a block away, talked about the sheer impact of the explosion, stating, It just shook the whole thing. It was crazy loud. He observed damage to his own house, noting that the window in his bedroom had been pulled away from the framing.

The state fire marshal's office, along with other agencies including the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, are investigating the cause of the explosion. Oliver Alkire, a master deputy with the State Fire Marshal's Office, mentioned that the firefighters received initial reports of a gas leak and the odor of gas outdoors just before the house erupted.

Firefighters from multiple agencies arrived promptly at the scene, working tirelessly amid the debris and rubble. A photo posted by county officials showed the devastating aftermath: charred pieces of wood scattered across the property and first responders diligently searching for victims. Lisa Czawlytko, who lives in a nearby condominium, recalled that the force of the explosion was so strong it buckled the roof structure of four condominium buildings, sending aluminum siding to the ground.

Authorities are currently conducting a thorough investigation to determine how many houses were affected and the extent of the damage. Early estimates suggest that at least 12 families have been displaced. Alkire, noting the magnitude of the disaster, commented, I've been on the job for nearly 18 years, and this is one of the largest explosions I've seen.

The house that exploded was reportedly for sale, though it remains unclear if it was occupied at the time. Firefighters were also seen using heavy equipment later in the day to search through the destroyed home and the surrounding area for other possible victims or pieces of evidence that could point to the explosion's cause.

Reflecting on the incident, Czawlytko expressed her concerns about safety, especially considering the collateral damage her building sustained. The whole building shook like a major earthquake, she said, recalling how the explosion knocked a pet bird off its perch and rattled her and her three children.

Initial reports indicate that utility workers were in the vicinity to address a reported electrical issue, though it remains uncertain whether their presence was directly connected to the explosion. One utility worker, who was also injured in the blast, was treated on-site. The broader implications of this incident are being addressed by the various agencies now involved in the in-depth probe.

While the exact number of injuries and the full impact of the explosion are still being assessed, the community of Bel Air is grappling with the sudden disruption and the emotional toll it has taken. People continue to share their harrowing experiences of the event, demonstrating the considerable shock and disbelief still lingering in its wake.

As the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office and other authorities continue their investigation, the broader Bel Air community remains on edge, hoping for answers and relief from the traumatic event. With the probe in its early stages, county officials are prioritizing the safety and well-being of all displaced families, ensuring they receive the necessary support during this challenging period.