CALIFORNIA, Md. (August 17, 2011) – Deputy State Fire Marshals are investigating the cause of an explosion on Tuesday of a home which injured two of its
elderly occupants. The origin and cause of the explosion remains under investigation at this time. Investigators are considering the home's propane tank and numerous gas appliances as possible sources of the explosion. Investigators have located debris from the home up to almost one-hundred feet away.
The 1:30 p.m. incident at 45915 Patuxent Lane in California was report by neighbors who heard a loud boom coming from the home. By-standers quickly started to search for the occupants and
assisted them from the home. First arriving responders found a side of the two story single family home had been blown away from the structure and a fire spreading rapidly.
Carol Andrews, 67, and Robert Andrews, 80, were both transported by ambulance to St. Mary's Hospital Center for treatment. Mr. Andrews was released with no injuries and Mrs. Andrews was transferred to Washington Hospital Center for further treatment of burns.
Thirty-four firefighters from numerous departments responded to the home.
The home is considered a total loss.
The investigation into the cause of the explosion continues.