By: Allan M. Siegel
Federal and local officials held a press conference Friday morning to provide
an update into their investigation of an August 10th explosion and fire at a Silver Spring apartment complex that killed 7
people and injured numerous others. According to multiple sources investigating
the disaster, the fatal explosion was
caused by a
natural gas leak in the apartment complex’s meter room.
- Officials reported the explosion occurred in the basement meter room of
Building 8701, following by a gas-fed fire that burned two nearby buildings
in the Flower Branch Apartment complex.
- Authorities stated there is no indication the explosion was caused by any
criminal activity, such as unauthorized access to the meter room or an
incendiary device.
- Due to the multiple ignition sources in the apartment building, officials
from the Montgomery County Police and Fire Departments, as well as the
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) will continue investigations in
order to determine a definitive cause, including an independent NTSB investigation
into pipelines carrying natural gas near the complex.
- The new findings fall in line with statements from multiple victims and
residents who reported smelling gas in the area for weeks before the explosion.
Some residents in the area even reported calling 911 before the incident,
but no action was taken.
As a result of the explosion and fire, seven victims were killed and over
30 people were injured. Many nearby residents have also been traumatized
by the blast, which shook buildings and caused property damage blocks
away. Nearly 30 units were destroyed by the fire, and over 100 residents
have been displaced.
Our entire team at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. extends
our condolences and our full support to all those affected by this tragedy.
Our firm has already been retained by victims who were injured as a result
of the explosion, and we are staying close to the ongoing investigations.
Should it be revealed that building owners, property managers, Washington
Gas, or other responsible agents in this matter knew or should have known
about the gas leaks and dangerous conditions, they can be held liable
to victims and families who suffered harm and losses. CSCS is committed
to helping victims assert their rights to hold the accountable parties
responsible, and ultimately pursue the compensation they need and deserve.
If you or someone you know has been affected by the recent
apartment explosion and fire in Silver Spring, Maryland and would like to discuss your rights, our
attorneys are available to speak with you personally during a
free and confidential consultation.