Federal officials investigating the Maryland natural gas explosion that killed 2 people

The National Transportation Safety Board, which has jurisdiction over pipelines, is investigating a natural gas explosion at a home in Bel Air, Maryland, that killed two people, the agency said Monday.

Meanwhile, state officials have identified the two people who died, and the state fire marshal’s office said they are focusing on accidental causes because there is no evidence of criminal activity.

Ray Corkran Jr., the 73-year-old homeowner, died in the Sunday morning explosion, officials said. Jose Rodriguez-Alvarado, a 35-year-old utility contract employee with Baltimore Gas and Electric, also died, the state fire marshal’s office said.

Jennifer Gabris, an NTSB spokeswoman, confirmed that NTSB pipeline investigators were on the scene Monday in Bel Air, a town about 30 miles (48 kilometers) northeast of Baltimore.

Deputy state marshals and agents from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives completed their investigation at the scene and turned the scene over to insurance representatives, the fire marshal’s office said.

“Crews have already begun cleaning up the abundant debris scattered throughout the neighborhood, and restoration companies are beginning to make repairs to nearby homes,” the fire marshal’s office said in a news release Monday.

Investigators will now focus on reviewing the evidence and data they collected Sunday, the fire marshal’s office said. These include gas and electricity pipelines, interviews, video surveillance and data from BGE.

“While the explosion remains under investigation, there is no evidence of criminal activity and they will continue to focus on accidental causes,” the fire marshal’s office said.

Firefighters were called to the area around 6:40 a.m. Sunday to reports of a gas leak and the smell of gas outside. As firefighters approached, they began receiving calls that the house had exploded.

Two utility workers were in the area working on a reported electrical issue at the time.

A woman from a house next door was treated for injuries at the scene.

Nearby neighbors reported a variety of damage to their homes from the explosion. Twelve families were displaced.

“Our hearts are broken for the two victims and their families. Our team of highly skilled investigators and our partners at ATF are dedicated to providing a response that will lead to safer communities,” said Acting Fire Commissioner Jason M. Mowbray. “A tragedy of this magnitude is heartbreaking for Maryland.”

More than 60 first responders came to the scene from multiple agencies.

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