At least 10 people were hospitalised after an explosion and fire at an apartment building in Silver Spring, Maryland, on Thursday morning.

Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service Chief Scott Goldstein said that firefighters arrived at the scene around 10.30 a.m. after 911 callers reported an explosion at the four-story building in Silver Spring, which is less than a mile north of Washington, D.C.

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The responding firefighters found significant fire and evidence of an explosion and immediately went to work battling the flames. They helped several people get out before the building got completely consumed by fire and collapsed. At least 10 people were rushed to the local hospitals.

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Goldstein said that there were still pockets of fire in the building as of Thursday afternoon and people were being evacuated from nearby buildings. He added that the structural damage could be significant.

Crews were searching the buildings a second time to ensure nobody was left behind. 

It was not clear where the fire began and too early to say how it started.

“It’s kind of scary looking at the extent of the explosion and it’s hard not to imagine the impact it’s had on people,” Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich said.

“It’s definitely a tough day,” he added. 

Meanwhile, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan tweeted that his team has been in contact with county officials about the explosion and fire and state fire marshal, state police and state emergency management officials are offering their support.