Vigil Held To Remember 8-Year-Old Who Died In Explosion

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Five days after a city rowhouse burst info flames and crumbled to the ground, investigators still don't know what caused it. A little boy walking on the sidewalk was killed in the rubble. Monday night, his community gathered for an emotional goodbye.

Christie Ileto spoke to family members.

Pictures, candles, songs and poems filled the evening air Monday.

Hundreds packed the blacktop at William Paca Elementary to remember 8-year-old Troy Douglas, whose life was tragically cut short when a burning rowhome collapsed on top of him while he was walking home from school.

Troy's mother Shanika is still shaken from the loss of her son.

"We thank y'all, everybody from the community, everyone who did what they could to try and save Troy," she said.

There's no explanation yet for a grieving family. The cause is under thorough investigation.

Cell phone video captured residents digging through piles of bricks after neighbors reportedly heard a loud boom, followed by a fierce fire.

"We need an answer and we need it soon," said Glenn Ross.

Ross says this community needs closure and assurance this won't happen again.

"They need to come and explain to people what happened, what caused this explosion and what took young Troy's life," Ross said.

For days following the incident, fire investigators with BGE crews drilled and checked gas meters, hoping to find out how all this happened.

For now, this community is left with few answers--only pictures, stories and memories of a vibrant 8-year-old.

A wake will be held Tuesday afternoon for Troy, followed by a funeral Wednesday.

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