2 people killed, dozens injured in apartment fire

Associated Press

SILVER SPRING, Md.

Two people died, dozens were injured and others were unaccounted for after a massive explosion and fire at an apartment complex outside the nation’s capital, authorities said Thursday.

Among those injured were three firefighters, treated and released after a large-scale rescue effort in which some people dropped children off balconies in the garden-style apartment to safety below.

The two people found dead in the debris of the four-story building have not yet been identified. Montgomery County Police Assistant Chief Russ Hamill said at a news conference Thursday that the explosion’s cause remains under investigation. Residents reported smelling gas before the explosion, and officials responded to calls for a potential gas leak at the complex last month.

In all, 34 people, including the three firefighters, were taken to hospitals for treatment. Hospital officials said most were released Thursday.