Maryland Strip Mall Damaged in Gas Explosion

The town of Forestville, Maryland had quite a surprise on Thursday, May 7 when a natural gas leak in a strip mall caused an unexpected explosion. Eight firefighters and a gas worker were injured in the blast, although all but two were treated and released on the scene. Two firefighters were admitted to the burn unit at Washington Hospital Center.

According to a spokesman for Prince George’s County Fire and EMS, one of the firefighters is being treated for second degree facial wounds, while the other suffered chest injuries from flying debris. As of Thursday night, both were reportedly in fair condition. No shoppers or store employees were injured by the explosion.

Gas workers and firefighters arrived at the strip mall after a caller reported a gas leak around 12:30 p.m. Around 45 shoppers and strip mall workers were evacuated before responders entered the building. According to witnesses, it was only a matter of minutes before the gas ignited. Six of the strip mall’s stores were damaged in the blast.

Officials are not sure what caused the explosion, although the current assumption is that some kind of accident ignited the gas being leaked. The strip mall has suffered an estimated $2.5 million in damage to the building and store merchandise. Unfortunately, investigators say they may never be able to determine the cause of the incident.

Explosions can occur more easily than many people realize, especially when buildings are not properly made or maintained. If you have been hurt in an explosion, Texas explosion lawyers Williams Kherkher can help. Contact our offices at 800-220-9341.