Watch CBS News

Explosion Destroys Baltimore County Home; Sends 1 To Hospital

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Baltimore County authorities say a home in the Baltimore Highlands was destroyed after an explosion and fire Monday afternoon.

Fire crews were called at 2:30 p.m., about an explosion in the 2800 block Virginia Ave., and investigators are now looking for answers on what caused the explosion.

There were blown out windows, melted siding, and fragments of holiday ornaments after Monday's explosion.

All telling of the unprecedented, massive explosion and fire that literally blew the home off its foundation.

Even fire officials were left astounded by the force of the blast.

"It's probably one of the more impressive incident scenes I've seen in a while. The amount of force that went through the house was enough to remove it from the foundation," said Baltimore County Fire Department Capt. Tim Rostkowski. "Fortunately, none of the other adjacent homes were affected in any way, so that's a good, positive thing."

Incredibly, only one person was injured. The victim was transported in serious condition to Shock Trauma after being found on the front lawn of the home.

Authorities say that person is in serious condition at this time, and he was talking and alert before being transported.

WJZ has learned the two people who live in the home are brothers.

One of the brothers, identified as Steve, was flown to the hospital.

The other, identified as Paul, reportedly stayed with neighbor, Bud Palmer, before heading to the hospital.

"Red Cross was here, took care of him, so everything is going to be okay," Palmer said. "Other than the house, you see that it's a total disaster."

According to Palmer, both brothers heard an initial boom in the back of the home.

While Steve investigated, Paul went out the front door.

Before long, there was a second explosion, before he and other neighbors rushed to get Steve to the front of the home

One of the things that simply stuns a lot of people in this neighborhood is that no other homes were impacted by the blast, given how close they are.

"Just sheer, sheer shock really, to see something, to see a house be destroyed like that, especially going towards the holiday season," one neighbor said. "I can't imagine what that family is going through."

The cause of the blast is still under investigation.

The home will likely be considered a total loss, and torn down because of the extensive damage.

Follow @CBSBaltimore on Twitter and like WJZ-TV | CBS Baltimore on Facebook

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.