Explosion In Curtis Bay Creates Baltimore Shockwave: Officials

BALTIMORE, MD — A shockwave went through Baltimore Thursday morning following what fire officials said was an apparent explosion.

A five-story coal silo sustained an explosion before 11:50 a.m. in the 1900 block of Benhill Avenue, according to the Baltimore Firefighters Union IAFF Local 734.

Coal dust likely caused the explosion at the CSX facility, where officials said structural damage was contained to the coal plant.

No fire was reported, according to the firefighters union, which reported CSX investigators and state environmental personnel were at the scene of the explosion after 2:30 p.m.

While the Baltimore City Fire Department did not detect any gas, Councilwoman Phylicia Porter said fire officials from the city asked the Maryland Department of the Environment to conduct an on-site air quality test.

Nobody was injured, according to Porter, who thanked first responders for their service and asked the public to help by avoiding the area.

"Please continue to steer away from this area at this time," Porter said Thursday afternoon.

"Stay away from the area!" fire officials said after the initial blast.

A propane tank exploded at the CSX coal pier at 11:35 a.m., according to Councilman Eric Costello.

"The explosion is isolated to the CSX property, no impact or risk to community, no reported injuries, and cause is unknown at this time," Costello said. He said police and fire personnel, emergency management and CSX officials were at the scene.