Two are confirmed dead and at least 30 are injured after an explosion and fire at a Silver Spring apartment complex early Thursday morning.
Officials said that the explosion displaced almost a hundred residents and some remain missing.
The incident is being treated as a death investigation, but ATF agents are on scene to help determine the origin and cause of the explosion.
VIDEO from apartment resident Marlon after the #SilverSpring explosion @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/kfHN7gmMdc
— Nikki Burdine (@NikkiBurdine) August 11, 2016
According to Montgomery County Fire Chief Scott Goldstein, fire crews were called to the 8600 block of Piney Branch Road at the Flower Branch Apartments for reports of an explosion and fire shortly before midnight.
Firefighters at one of the fire stations felt the explosion before they got the call. After the initial calls came in, MCFRS received more reports of people trapped in two buildings, 8703 and 8701 Piney Branch Rd.
Crews arriving on scene quickly called for a three-alarm response, and some early rescues were made with the help of civilians aided by work ladders.
Fire crews also made several ladder rescues at the scene.
Crews are still hitting hot spots within the wreckage of the two four-story apartment buildings which suffered fire damage and partial collapse.
During a news conference Thursday, officials have confirmed that two people were found dead in the rubble. The identities of the victims have not been released at this time.
According to Battalion Chief Dee Howard Richards, around 24 injured residents have been transported to various area hospitals. Injuries range from abrasions to broken bones, burns and smoke inhalation. A total of three firefighters were injured.
Fire crews are using K-9 units to search for five to seven people who are still missing. One woman told WUSA9's Nikki Burdine that her 3-year-old nephew is still missing.
Some transports had to be made by Montgomery County Police officers.
Paul Carden, spokesman for the American Red Cross, says approximately 70 of the nearly 100 displaced residents have reported to the emergency shelter that has been set up at the Long Branch Community Center on Piney Branch Rd.
Carden says people have been coming and going throughout the night as arrangements are made for temporary relocation of the displaced residents.
Drivers should avoid the area since Piney Branch Road will remain closed between University Blvd. and Flower Ave. through evening rush hour. All of Arliss St. is closed indefinitely.
The NTSB is now investigating this incident.
Red Cross disaster relief unloading supplies for the 70+ people displaced after #SilverSpring apartment explosion pic.twitter.com/Xzz4z8OioC
— Nikki Burdine (@NikkiBurdine) August 11, 2016
Madelyn Fuentes was not displaced by explosion, but she still came out to help: @wusa9 #SilverSpring @mcfrsPIO pic.twitter.com/2upvDh5Na2
— Nikki Burdine (@NikkiBurdine) August 11, 2016
Information for residents, families affected:
If you need medical attention you can go to the Mary Center located at 8709 Flower Ave, Silver Spring.
For those missing relatives you can walk into the Rolling Terrace Elementary School, 705 Bayfield Street, Takoma Park, for immediate attention.
A shelter was set up last night at Long Branch Community Center, 8700 Piney Branch Road, Silver Spring, but do not bring donations to that location.
Make donation to the Red Cross here: http://www.redcross.org/local/maryland-delaware
Bilingual staff is present at emergency centers.
