PIKESVILLE, Md. — A raging fire erupted in Pikesville Friday afternoon after a gas explosion injured three people and forced multiple homes to evacuate.
The Baltimore County Fire Department said it happened around 3:49 p.m. in the 8300 block of Stevenson Road.
Lieutenant Travis Francis Jr said construction crews were working in a trench in the area when the explosion happened.
According to BGE, crews were performing work on a steel gas main when the fire began.
Several people were injured, including a BGE employee who sustained serious injuries and was transported to a hospital.
Payton Goldsmith said she was sitting in her kitchen when she heard and felt what she thought was an explosion. She said she went outside and saw the flames shooting high into the sky.
“It was loud. And it shook. It shook the ground. I felt a shake,” she said.
Rubin Schechman, who lives near where it happened, said his wife saw one of the workers and tried to help.
“She came out and tried to see what she can do. They waited for the ambulance. She’s messed up about it,” he said.
Schechman said he’s hoping the workers are going to be okay.
“I’m worried about the guys who got hurt,” he said. “They were working for the last few days just to be out there doing your job and something like that happened is horrible.”
Approximately 200 customers are without gas. Power has been restored in the area since 8 p.m.
BGE remains onsight assisting the fire department and ensuring the area is safe.
"Once all repairs are made, BGE will need to enter each affected building to relight gas appliances," BGE continued in their statement. "This work will likely continue into the weekend. BGE and its contractors will wear face coverings, gloves, and other protective gear. We thank our customers in advance for their understanding and cooperation."
