Two Dead, Five Missing After MD Apartment Explosion

Two bodies were found, and at least five people remain unaccounted for following a massive explosion at an apartment complex in Silver Spring.

The blast left 30 residents and three firefighters injured.

The discovery was announced late Thursday morning by Montgomery County fire officials, who said federal and state investigators are on the scene.

Firefighters at a station about a mile away felt the explosion at the Flower Branch Apartments just before midnight Wednesday, Montgomery County Fire Chief Scott Goldstein said during a press conference.

The powerful blast sent debris into a parking lot across the street, WRC reported.

At least two buildings were involved in the resulting fire, and one partially collapsed.

Firefighters made "numerous rescues" in heavy fire conditions, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue spokesman Pete Piringer told reporters. 

Goldstein said the search effort will be long and tedious. The safety of firefighters is of utmost importance as they comb through the debris.

Structural engineers are examining the structures involved, and will proceed with caution.