WBAL reported that a fiery explosion took down an apartment building at the Potomac Oaks condominium complex located at the 800 block of Quince Orchard Blvd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878.
At around 8:40 a.m. on Thursday, November 17, 2022, the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service received a report of a fire and explosion. Witnesses described a huge booming sound before the building collapsed. Two people sustained critical injuries and were taken to a hospital along with 10 other wounded people. Firefighters saw an open gas line in the damaged building. However, what caused the explosion isn't known at this time.
Attorney contributor Aaron Blank is an experienced gas explosion lawyer in the state of Maryland. Aaron represents victims who have suffered injuries such as those sustained during gas explosions or apartment building collapses. During a recent discussion, he explained the legal options available to victims injured in fiery apartment building explosions.
"Gas companies that provide piped gas to residential neighborhoods have a legal responsibility to make sure the residents are safe. The companies have a duty to conduct regular maintenance and safety checks to make sure the communities are safe from leaks. If a gas system is not in safe working conditions or regular maintenance has been neglected, there is an increased risk of leaks or even explosions. These tragic explosions often cause mass property damage, severe injuries, and even death."
"If the gas company or the building management is found to have acted negligently, a lawsuit may be brought against them. Financial compensation may be available in cases of negligence. However, identifying the cause of a gas explosion is a complicated process. In some cases, more than one party may be responsible, including the gas company or building management. A building management company may be liable if it fails to maintain smoke or carbon monoxide detectors. An experienced gas explosion lawyer can help the victims, and their families best understand their legal options."