Eight firefighters and a gas company worker were injured in an apparent natural gas explosion in Forestville, Maryland. Four of the firefighters and the gas worker were taken to the Medstar Burn Unit at the Washington Hospital Center. Two of the firefighters have since been treated and released. Two others, including a captain seen in the white helmet in the video above, are being held overnight for observation.

According to Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department Chief Spokesman Mark Brady, the fire department received a call around 12:55 PM for a report of a natural gas leak. They arrived at 3426 Donnell Drive and evacuated a number of businesses at the Penn Mar Shopping Center. Brady said 45 people were ushered out of the building.

At about 1:23 PM, with the gas company on the scene, an explosion occurred, causing the destruction of about 5 store fronts. A flash fire resulted. Firefighters and the gas worker were injured by both the fire and flying debris.

The building was so heavily damaged firefighters were not able to immediately go back in and search to make sure everyone got out safely.

On the firground audio you can hear a report from the rear of the structure that fire had broken out while firefighters were venting the structure. Moments later, as command attempted to determine what was burning, the explosion occurred and maydays were called.

Duration : 0:0:47

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