A fire and explosion at a Silver Spring apartment complex has caused massive damage, killing two, injuring dozens and displaced almost a hundred residents, some of whom are still missing.
The incident is now being treated as a death investigation.
According to Montgomery County Fire Chief Scott Goldstein, fire crews were called to the 8600 block of Piney Branch Avenue 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. Fire crews are using K-9 units to search for five to seven people who are still missing.
Crews are still hitting hot spots within the wreckage of the two four-story apartment buildings which suffered fire damage and partial collapse.