What to Know
- Police said a fifth victim was found on Sunday.
- Officials said the search for more victims has been slowed by the unstable condition of the building, as well as extreme heat conditions.
- The explosion and fire on Aug. 11 injured 31 residents.
The seventh and final victim of the explosion and fire that tore through an apartment building in Silver Spring, Maryland, has been identified.
Saeda Ibrahim, 40, was killed after natural gas sparked an explosion and fire at the Flower Branch Apartments on the 8700 block of Arliss Avenue, federal and Montgomery County officials said.
Ibrahim is the last person identified to have been killed by the disaster.
Two women, three men and two little boys were killed.
Maria Auxiliadorai Castellon-Martinez, 53, Augusto Jimenez Sr., 62, and Saul Paniagua, 65, were identified on August 19.
Eight-year-old Deibi “David” Samir Lainez Morales and 3-year-old Fernando Josue Hernandez Orellana were identified on August 23.
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The explosion and fire injured 31 residents. Three firefighters also were hurt battling the blaze.
A natural gas explosion occurred in the meter room of 8701 Arliss Ave., feeding the fire that consumed the apartments upstairs, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said last month.
A nonprofit group that helps immigrant communities will file a lawsuit on behalf of people impacted by the blast.
