Fire and explosion at Gaithersburg condo complex leaves 12 injured, say officials

A fire and explosion broke out at the Gaithersburg Condominium Complex on Wednesday morning. Montgomery County fire officials confirmed that at least a dozen people had been injured, including children.

Fire Chief Scott Goldstein said ten victims were rushed to the hospital while two were escorted to the trauma centre. Goldstein added that eight people, including four children, had suffered mild to moderate injuries from those hospitalized. However, Goldstein also said that the count of unaccounted for was presently unknown.

Department spokesperson Pete Piringer said that an explosion was recorded around 8.40 am at the row homes on Quince Orchard Boulevard. Piringer informed that the fire officials arrived at 9 am, reported heavy fire conditions, and called second alarms.


Per media reports, building no. 826 and 828 suffered significant damage and have partially collapsed. Two buildings attached to the damaged ones have been evacuated as a precautionary measure. Over 100 firefighting and rescue personnel have been deployed to the location. CBS News reported that the fire was under control and secondary searches were underway.



The Gaithersburg Condominium Complex fire is the second incident of this nature in the current year in Montgomery County. A similar explosion and fire broke out on March 3, 2022, at the Friendly Garden Apartments on Lyttonsville Road in Silver Spring. While the reasons for today’s explosion remain unconfirmed, the Silver Spring building explosion was caused by a gas pipe cut.

FAQs:

1. Who is the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Chief?
   Scott Goldstein.
2. When did the explosion happen?
   The explosion was recorded around 8.40 am.