Jan. 12, 2021

As reported, BGE’s equipment – gas mains, gas service pipes, gas meters and electric equipment – was operating safely and were not the cause of the natural gas explosion that occurred on Aug. 10, 2020. The investigation into the specific events leading to the explosion was conducted by the Baltimore City Fire Department, which indicated today that work was being done on customer equipment by a licensed contractor in the basement of 4232 Labyrinth Road with no evidence of a Baltimore City permit. According to the Fire Department, a build-up of natural gas occurred and was ignited when a stove was turned on. Equipment beyond the meter – including natural gas appliances – is the responsibility of the customer. This incident is a very tragic reminder of the importance of natural gas safety. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost loved ones and others affected by this incident.

Customers should ensure their gas appliances and piping are routinely inspected and properly maintained by licensed plumbers and appliance technicians and that they have the appropriate permits for the work. For more gas safety tips, please visit bge.com/gassafety.

As always, customers are reminded to call local emergency personnel at 911 from a safe location if they think they smell gas. Customers can contact BGE at 1-800-685-0123 from a safe location at any time, 365 days a year, if they have any gas or electric safety concerns. BGE crews will respond promptly to assess the situation and work to make it safe.

BGE's updates released during the week of the incident are available here.