Two people were rescued following an explosion at the corporate headquarters of Ruppert Landscape in Montgomery County Tuesday morning, Montgomery County Fire & Rescue officials said. Crews responded to the 23600 block of Laytonsville Road for a report of an explosion just before 8 a.m. Crews arrived to find that the house had collapsed after an explosion caused by a gas leak.
Two people were taken to a nearby hospital after they were hurt by the debris. One person was taken to a local trauma center.
Officials on the scene worked to stabilize the structure. Laytonsville Road from Hipsley Mill Road to Griffith Road was closed while crews remained on the scene.
Officials sayidthe building was severely damaged and structural analysis will be necessary to determine a path forward.
“We are so grateful that no lives were lost today, and we are praying for the recovery of those injured,” said Craig Ruppert, CEO. “Keeping our team safe is always first and foremost in our mind, but an incident like this is just something you never think will happen. We are just incredibly grateful for the quick response of so many here today, and we ask that you keep our team in your thoughts and prayers.”