SILVER SPRING, Md. (WUSA9) -- A fire and explosion at a Silver Spring apartment complex has caused massive damage, injuring dozens, displacing almost a hundred residents, some of whom are still missing.
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.
VIDEO from apartment resident Marlon after the #SilverSpring explosion @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/kfHN7gmMdc
— Nikki Burdine (@NikkiBurdine) August 11, 2016
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.
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.
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.
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
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
