Roof Collapse, Explosion at Belcamp Building Blamed on Transformer Fire

From the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal:

At about 7:15 a.m. Saturday, a passing snow plow driver reported a building fire and possible roof collapse at TIC Gums on Brass Mill Road in Belcamp.

Initial reports advised of a roof collapse, however, upon the state fire marshal investigation, it was determined an explosion occurred within the mechanical room of the building, causing the exterior wall to explode outward and inner walls to collapse. Investigators also believe the explosion caused the outside transformer to catch fire. Again, initial reports have listed the the transformer as the origin of the fire, which spread to the building, causing the roof to collapse. While the roof was compromised, the roof remained intact.

Forty firefighters from Aberdeen, Abingdon, Aberdeen Proving Ground, and Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Companies responded to the call.

The state fire marshal will continue to investigate the exact cause of the explosion, which it estimated cost $550,000 to the structure and its contents.