Black teen dies, brother injured in preventable Maryland house explosion.

Yet Another Avoidable Explosion Leaves One Dead, Harford County Reeling

Harford County, Maryland - Fire officials are investigating a house explosion that has once again torn through a residential area, killing one and injuring another. The explosion, which occurred in Abingdon, has left the community traumatized and demanding answers.

At 6:42 a.m., [volunteer firefighters](https://www.facebook.com/AbingdonFire?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZXBatumx4ystMCv5wrsD4iAJtkNULJonVKj35NOnYpMXBhHwFq9XyWx4WjO3mt6mQgqrTlb2q_Z-KVdCJVYjUwixdIiI1SGr-iuPgezgWYCw9Cq2_yYsW2NAC6SfElNQBBu0dgwBoTq95qnI7m9WHlhpQz5rA-FdkBiTh4xcm_lpn1mAFIxhXQpe1qGFGbu3s4IxcI0pn0rYsLBqnxKJ8Mh&__tn__=-%5 DK-R) from the Abingdon Fire Company and [Harford County Fire and EMS](https://www.facebook.com/harfordcountyfireems?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZUdiS3Yvgst_w7zqV9wT1dpZLV0IU6tK_0e8WcnmOKrG1wUIqnr9WWFPTY1AE0EVacVJvZ4jX8cXhKzDdgbL_l89JOLYAfnQ_dYUyTfzj3ErpNDQisCGfdLW3msHvRIxlvS3nJju2cz4oK_6z3ztvy29xAK5_Fuh3LTC0uBJ6d_7GttlcD6IkxKPQg7LhyrCodRvAUd8DychPCafo5EqxwPvzH7V6_nwqlNzujG_Zk-ZA&__tn__=-%5 DC-R) units rushed to the scene, only to find a "debris field," according to Jeff Sexton, the Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Association's public information officer. The house was completely leveled, and the surrounding area was peppered with debris.

Sexton confirmed the tragic fatality and added that another person sustained injuries. The identities of the victims have not been released, Pendering next-of-kin notification, and the community is anxiously awaiting more information.

In a Facebook post, the fire department assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to safety, but the property remains an active crime scene. Search and rescue operations are still underway, and officials are combing through the wreckage to ensure no one else is trapped or injured.

Blast Site and Causes

The explosion occurred in Bel Air, about 30 miles northeast of Baltimore, affecting a quiet residential neighborhood. WJZ reports that the road leading to the affected home remains closed, isolating the area.

Master Deputy Oliver Alkire from the Maryland State Fire Marshall's office revealed that the fire department initially received a call about a potential gas leak. Unfortunately, by the time units arrived, it was too late to prevent the explosion.

Drones Banned from Crime Scene

Officials have prohibited the use of recreational drones at the site as they conduct their investigation. In a Facebook post, they stated, "Recreational drones are not permitted over an emergency scene." This ban ensures that emergency aircraft can safely search through the debris without interference.

The story will be updated as more information becomes available. For now, the community of Harford County grieves the loss of life and braces for the impact this explosion will have on their neighborhood.

By Julia Gomez, Trending Reporter for USA TODAY

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