Victim of Maryland house explosion identified; investigation ongoing

The homeowner and Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. contractor who died in the Bel Air house explosion Sunday morning have been identified by the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office, according to a news release Monday.

Rescue workers discovered the body of one of two utility workers hired by BGE to fix an electrical problem in the home before the explosion. Investigators said the victim was 35-year-old Jose Rodriguez-Alvarado.

Rodriguez-Alvarado's body was recovered shortly after the explosion and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Search and rescue crews were working throughout Sunday, clearing debris and searching for other victims. Hours after the explosion, emergency crews recovered the body of the homeowner, 73-year-old Ray Corkran Jr.

Corkran was believed to be the only resident of the house, which he previously owned with his wife, Phyllis Corkran, who died in September 2018, according to the Office of Register of Wills.

According to rescue workers, a neighbor was also treated on site for minor injuries.

The fire marshal and alcohol, tobacco and firearms task force have completed their investigations at the scene, the press release said, and the crime scene has been turned over to insurance agents.

According to the fire safety officer, emergency services have begun clearing the rubble and reconstruction work has begun on the neighboring houses that were damaged in the explosion.

Investigators are currently reviewing evidence and data they collected during their on-site investigation, the press release said. Investigators will review the home's gas and electrical lines, video surveillance and data from BGE, among other things, the press release said.

The fire marshal's office said there was no evidence of criminal activity and that investigators would continue to focus on accidental causes.

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