A Silver Spring community will gather for a vigil on Thursday evening to honor those who died in a devastating apartment fire one year ago.
Seven people, including two children, were killed after a fire erupted at the Flower Branch Apartments. Another 30 people were injured and more than 80 families were displaced.
The non-profit advocacy group CASA will offer families of the victims a chance to share words about their loved ones, and community members will “reflect upon the immense support” they’ve received following the tragedy, according to a release.
The explosion, which erupted just before midnight on August 10, was heard from about a mile away, fire officials said. It took days for authorities to find the bodies within the debris and confirm their identities.
A representative from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said that the probable cause was a natural gas explosion, which was sparked in a meter room in one of the two buildings that were destroyed during the fire. The National Transportation Safety Board is still investigating what caused the leak.
Months after the fire, CASA’s director announced that some residents filed a lawsuit against Washington Gas and Kay Management, the company that runs the apartment complex. The suit is ongoing.
The Montgomery Housing Partnership has raised more than $820,000 for the victims, most of whom are immigrants from various counties and don’t speak English, WTOP reports.
Tonight’s vigil is taking place at 8 p.m. at 8644 Piney Branch Road.