Update: Illegal Fireworks Cause Garage Explosion That Injures Two and Leads to ~$400K in Damage; Several Pets Safely Removed

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a call for an explosion that occurred in the 14200 block of Cervantes Ave in the Seneca Estates neighborhood near Seneca Rd on Tuesday evening.

According to the initial report by MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer, it was communicated that a model rocket malfunctioned and resulted in an explosion inside of the garage of a single family home. The investigation later revealed that the explosion occurred due to illegal fireworks that were misused with modifying components. Crews arrived to see smoke coming from the garage of the home and were able to extinguish the fire.

Fire/explosive investigators (bomb squad) and the fire department were able to determine the actual cause of the explosion, which led to two adults being taken to the hospital with priory 1 (life-threatening) and priority 2 (serious) injuries. Several pets were safely removed from the home and all hazards were contained to ensure there is no danger to neighbors.

Update – Cervantes Av, a resident misusing/modifying components associated w/ fireworks, caused an explosion, resulting in >$400k in damage & injuring 2 people, while several pets were safely removed. All hazards have been contained & there is no present danger to neighbors pic.twitter.com/2NMTB5y6MB

— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) June 28, 2023