An oxygen tank explosion inside a vacant storage building in Fishing Creek caused significant structural damage Friday evening, though no injuries were reported. The incident, which occurred at 2409 Hoopers Island Road in Dorchester County, remains under investigation by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
Continues after this brief message…
Did you know? Paid supporters get a reduced ad experience!

We know you value local news and entertainment that is free, open, and independent. Producing high-quality, paywall-free content isn't free. It takes time, effort, and resources to keep you informed and entertained. Unlike corporate media, we don’t have deep-pocketed investors or big advertisers funding our work—we rely on you, our readers and listeners, to keep Radio Free Hub City running. We're literally running on a shoe-string budget, but keep working hard to provide as much news and entertainment as we can.
If just 5% of local area residents became paid supporters at only $5 per month, we could meet our fundraising goals and continue expanding our news coverage depth while continuing to provide free access for everyone. So, if you'd like to help us in our continuing quest to improve our coverage, please consider becoming a paying supporter.
Will you be one of the 5%?
Thank you for supporting Radio Free Hub City!
Deputy State Fire Marshals responded after a member of the Hoopers Island Volunteer Fire Department discovered the damage. No fire department was dispatched to the scene, and the building’s owner, Donald Willey, was not present at the time of the explosion. Officials determined that the explosion originated in the interior of the garage where a large oxygen tank used for torch work had ruptured and launched through the roof.
The structure, a one-story masonry and wood-framed building, sustained approximately $8,000 in damage, with an additional $500 in loss to its contents. The building had no active fire or smoke alarm systems installed, and no sprinkler systems were present.
Article continues after these messages…
While other outlets focus on getting quotes from politicians who don't even live in our congressional district, we're focused on providing the hard-hitting truths and facts without political spin. We don't lock our news behind a paywall, will you help us keep it that way? If you're tired of news sweetened with confirmation bias, consider becoming a monthly supporter. But if you're not, that's fine too—we're confident in our mission and will be here if you decide you're ready for the truth. Just $5/month helps fund our local reporting, live election night coverage, and more.
Become a paid supporter for reduced ad experience!
Preliminary findings indicate the rupture was likely caused by corrosion at the base of the tank due to previous flooding in the area. There were no signs of fire within the building and no evidence of tampering with the tank. The investigation is ongoing.
Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Maryland Department of State Police
Do you believe we got something wrong? Please read our publishing standards and corrections policy.
Did you know? Supporters get a reduced ad experience!
Sponsored Articles
Get daily and breaking news for Washington County, MD area from Radio Free Hub City. Sign up with your email today!
Paid supporters have a reduced ad experience!
Discover more from Radio Free Hub City
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.











