Federal authorities investigate natural gas explosion in Maryland that killed two people

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland (AP) — The National Transportation Safety Board, which oversees pipelines, is investigating a Natural gas explosion in a residential building in Bel Air, Maryland, in which two people died, the agency said on Monday.

State authorities have now identified the two fatalities and the state fire marshal’s office said it is focusing on accident causes as there is no evidence of criminal activity.

Ray Corkran Jr., the 73-year-old homeowner, died in the Sunday morning explosion, officials said. Jose Rodriguez-Alvarado, a 35-year-old contract worker with Baltimore Gas and Electric, also died, the state fire marshal’s office said.

Jennifer Gabris, a spokeswoman for the NTSB, confirmed that NTSB pipeline investigators were on site Monday in Bel Air, a city about 30 miles northeast of Baltimore.

Deputy state fire marshals and agents from the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives have completed their investigations at the scene and turned the accident site over to insurance representatives, the fire marshal’s office said.

“Emergency crews have already begun clearing the large amounts of debris scattered throughout the neighborhood, and restoration contractors are beginning repairs to surrounding homes,” the fire marshal’s office said in a news release Monday.

Investigators will now focus on reviewing evidence and data they collected on Sunday, the fire marshal’s office said, including gas and electrical lines, interviews, video surveillance and data from BGE.

“The explosion is still under investigation, but there is no evidence of criminal activity. The focus will continue to be on accidental causes,” the fire marshal’s office said.

Firefighters were called to the area around 6:40 a.m. on Sunday morning because of a reported gas leak and the smell of gas outside. As firefighters approached, they received calls that the house had exploded.

At the time, two utility workers were in the area to troubleshoot a reported electrical problem.

A woman in the neighboring house was treated on site for injuries.

Neighbors reported various types of damage to their homes caused by the explosion. Twelve families had to leave their homes.

“Our sympathies are heartbroken for the two victims and their families. Our team of highly trained investigators and our partners at ATF are committed to finding a response that will lead to safer communities,” said Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray. “A tragedy of this magnitude is heartbreaking for Maryland.”

More than 60 first responders from various emergency services arrived on site.