Unique ATF Arson Lab Assisting In Silver Spring Explosion Investigation
SILVER SPRING, Md. (WJZ)—Federal and local investigators continue to dig through the rubble after an explosion at a Maryland apartment complex leaves at least six dead and dozens injured.
"The investigators when they're digging through the rubble, that process is slow. It's meticulous. There's a lot of little pieces that they're looking for in order to put the puzzle back together," said David Cheplak, special agent with the ATF.
Authorities are trying to determine what caused the explosion and fire that collapsed the apartment complex located in the 8700 block of Arliss Street, in Silver Spring last week.
The answer may be found at the ATF's Arson and Explosion Lab.
It's the only one of its kind in the world, with tools designed trace the microscopic, to recreate the fuel and heat of a fire.
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A similar test was used to help analyze a fatal fire last year in Annapolis, that claimed the lives of two grandparents and their four grandchildren. The ATF team found the cause inside this electric outlet.
"Those investigators found a tiny plug blade,"said Cheplak.
Often it's the smallest fragment of evidence that leads to a cause.
A 2010 multi-alarm blaze on Baltimore's block, came down to vapor analysis of the accelerant used.
The same tools and expertise are now being brought to bear in Silver Spring.
"And ultimately make a decision as to the origin and cause of the fire and explosion," said Cheplak.
Seven bodies have been recovered at the explosion site. Police have not yet identified the victims.
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