Photo: Chief Spokesperson for Montgomery County (MD) Fire & Rescue Service Pete Piringer
An explosion tore through an apartment complex in Gaithersburg, Maryland, on Wednesday (November 16) morning, leaving at least 12 people injured.
Over 100 firefighters responded to what officials called a "gas-fed fire" in the building's basement, CNN reported.
Montgomery County Fire Chief Scott Goldstein said that the explosion occurred around 8:40 a.m. at Potomac Oaks Condominium Complex and caused significant damage to two buildings that partially collapsed.
Ten people were hospitalized, including two who were in critical condition, and four adults and four children who suffered moderate injuries. Two others suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene.
First responders rescued several residents who were trapped and evacuated the surrounding buildings as a precaution. Officials have located most of the residents but are still trying to contact people from one of the units.
Firefighters swept the building and confirmed there were no gas leaks, but Goldstein said the fire could smolder for several hours.
He said he expects residents in the two adjacent buildings should be able to return home tonight but noted that 24 units were uninhabitable following the blast. He did not say how many people lived in those units.
Investigators believe the explosion was caused by a gas leak but are still trying to confirm how the leak occurred.