An afternoon at a Carroll County greenhouse turned dangerous on Friday when an explosion ripped through the facility, injuring several people and causing part of the building to collapse, according to county officials. Fire crews and sheriff's deputies rushed in, securing the grounds while emergency medical teams evaluated everyone on-site. Multiple injured patients were transported to local hospitals, though officials had not yet released a precise number.
The blast hit Catoctin Mountain Growers in Keymar, a wholesale nursery on Sixes Bridge Road that promotes roughly 23 acres of growing space and more than 175 plant varieties, according to Catoctin Mountain Growers. The business supplies retailers and landscapers across the region, so any serious damage to its facilities could ripple through spring plant supply for area garden centers and contractors.
As reported by CBS Baltimore, authorities described the event as an "industrial accident involving an explosion and a partial building collapse." The Carroll County Sheriff's Office said the scene had been stabilized and that everyone at the site had been accounted for. According to the outlet, multiple people were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, and investigators have not yet determined what triggered the explosion.
Emergency response and investigation
Carroll County deputies, local fire departments, and EMS crews mounted a multi-agency response, working to stabilize the damaged structure and treat the injured. Officials said everyone at the scene was evaluated, and the area was secured while investigators continued to gather evidence. County officials have not released further information about the full scope of property damage.
Local impact and next steps
Catoctin Mountain Growers supplies garden centers, landscapers, and retailers throughout the mid-Atlantic, so a prolonged shutdown in Keymar could squeeze inventory for local nurseries and stores, according to Catoctin Mountain Growers. Company representatives and county officials have not provided a recovery timeline. Authorities said additional details will be released as the investigation moves forward.
