A recent report from the National Transportation Safety Board has shed light on the tragic explosion of a home in Bel Air, Maryland, which occurred on August 11 and resulted in the deaths of two individuals. The homeowner, Ray Corkran Jr., aged 73, and a contracted utility worker, Jose Rodriguez-Alvarado, age 35, lost their lives in the incident, which also injured three more people, including another contractor.

Prior to the explosion, a technician from Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) was sent to address a power outage at the residence and noted a strong gas smell, which he relayed to a dispatcher. Moreover, a neighbor reported detecting a similar gas odor less than a quarter of a mile away. Despite these warnings, BGE did not initially find any gas leaks when they investigated the situation. Compounding the issue, an additional worker indicated that he too smelled gas shortly before the explosion that morning.

Following the incident, BGE stated it has implemented measures to improve safety and reliability within their operations, including refresher training for employees on emergency gas and electric procedures. They emphasized their commitment to fostering a culture of safety for their customers and workforce.

During the investigation following the explosion, BGE performed a pressure test on their gas systems. They discovered a damaged service line that had a hole, while the preliminary findings from the NTSB indicated that the gas system's operating pressure was below the maximum permitted levels at the time of the explosion. Investigators examined the location thoroughly, reviewed BGE's operational practices, and gathered relevant physical evidence, with future efforts focusing on the company's response to odor complaints and their safety management system.

The blast caused significant damage to neighboring properties, displacing some residents, and necessitated the response of over 60 first responders from various agencies. The ongoing investigation aims to provide deeper insights into preventative measures and practices that could avoid similar incidents in the future.