Approximately 100 people are displaced in Silver Spring, MD after an explosion impacted six apartment buildings on the 2400 block of Lyttonsville Road on March 3, 2022. At least 10 people were taken to hospitals with injuries and as details continue to emerge about this heartbreaking incident, our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this tragedy.
Working with government, faith-based and other non-profit partners, Red Cross volunteer teams responded to the scene, providing food, water and emotional support to affected families. Specially-trained Disaster Mental Health volunteers were also available, to help individuals cope with the psychological impacts of this disaster.
“Our thoughts are with the individuals and families who have suffered loss due to this horrific incident,” said Curt Luthye, Executive Director for the Red Cross of Montgomery, Howard and Frederick Counties. “Our trained volunteers stand ready to support those with disaster-caused needs, for as long as help is needed.”
Red Cross teams are currently supporting an emergency shelter, in partnership with Montgomery County Maryland, located at 1700 April Lane, Silver Spring, MD 20904. Anyone with disaster-caused needs is welcome at the shelter and all Red Cross assistance is free. Volunteers are also providing food and water at the site of the incident, as emergency personnel continue to work diligently in areas near where the explosion occurred.
In the days ahead, Red Cross leadership and volunteer teams will continue to coordinate with local officials and community partners to determine how we can further support the Silver Spring community during this time of need and help those impacted begin the long road to recovery.
How to Help
Our teams are grateful for the offers of help and outpouring of support. At this time, thanks to those who have previously supported our mission with generous donations, our Red Cross team has what it needs to assist people impacted and we are not accepting financial donations specifically for this tragedy. We are asking the community to refrain from donating items like stuffed animals, blankets, clothing and household goods — as it takes time and money to store, sort, clean and distribute these items, which diverts limited resources away from helping those impacted with essential services. Those wanting to help can visit this page, set-up by Montgomery County. Those wanting to support general Red Cross disaster relief, to ensure volunteers are ready to respond to the next emergency, may donate at RedCross.org/donate.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.