Man Critically Injured as Hot Water Tank Ruptures at Carroll County Nursery

A significant incident at Catoctin Mountain Nursery in Keymar, Maryland, on Friday evening resulted in one employee being critically injured and two others sustaining burn injuries. The event, initially thought to be an explosion, has been clarified by investigators to be the rupture of a large hot-water holding tank.

First responders, including firefighters from Carroll and Frederick counties, were dispatched around 5:05 p.m. to the 23-acre nursery located at 8051 Sixes Bridges Road following reports of a boiler explosion. Upon their arrival, they observed substantial structural damage, with parts of the building partially collapsed. Debris from the incident also included an overturned vehicle.

Among the three injured employees, a 65-year-old man was transported by helicopter to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, where he remains in critical condition. The other two employees suffered burn injuries. One of these individuals was taken by ambulance to the same hospital and is reported to be in stable condition, while the third employee declined medical treatment at the scene.

An investigative team comprising members from the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) was deployed to the nursery. Their preliminary findings determined that the extensive damage was not the result of a fire or explosion. Instead, a large hot-water holding tank failed, releasing its contents of water heated to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. The sudden release of this superheated water caused widespread destruction, creating an appearance consistent with an explosion.

In addition to the state fire marshal and ATF, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office and the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH) also responded to the incident, given the employee injuries.

Following its on-site investigation, the Office of the State Fire Marshal has passed the matter to the Maryland Department of Labor’s Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety Inspection Unit for further review and investigation. The outcome of this inquiry will likely focus on the operational safety and maintenance of the facility’s equipment.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

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