Two people were seriously injured and a home in Darnestown declared unsafe to occupy following an explosion at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday in a garage at Cervantes Avenue in Seneca Estates.
According to County Fire Chief Scott Goldstein, who held a 9:50 p.m. news conference Tuesday, the blast was most likely the result of work being done with parts of fireworks in preparation for the Fourth of July.
One person suffered life-threatening injuries, and another needed intermediate or urgent care following the explosion. A third person, who was inside the home, was not injured.
Several pets were removed from the home.
The home and garage suffered ‘blast damage,” Goldstein explained, adding there was no danger to nearby residences.
According to Pete Piringer, spokesperson for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue, the department originally was called to the scene for an explosion. The department’s bomb squad also was on the scene.
Piringer estimated damage to the home in excess of $400,000.
The investigation continues.
Goldstein stressed fireworks are illegal in the county, and he urged residents to attend public firework displays.
ICYMI (6/27) @MontgomeryCoMD A Fireworks mishap (an adult residence engaged in activity using components of fireworks) results in home explosion, injuring 2 occupants in Seneca Estates neighborhood, house damaged & now structurally ‘unsafe to occupy’ https://t.co/T3Xo4BwDvt pic.twitter.com/bdyGRJDiP9
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) June 28, 2023
Update – Fire Chief Scott Goldstein home explosion https://t.co/aQOESg8f7r
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) June 28, 2023
