KEYMAR, MD (JK). — A 65-year-old man remains in critical condition following a major industrial incident Friday evening at Catoctin Mountain Nursery in Carroll County.
Emergency crews from Carroll County Department of Fire and EMS and Frederick County Fire & Rescue were dispatched just after 5 p.m. to the nursery on Sixes Bridges Road for what was initially reported as a boiler explosion. When firefighters arrived, they encountered extensive damage, including partially collapsed sections of a building and an overturned vehicle tangled in debris.
Three employees were injured in the incident. The 65-year-old victim was flown to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, where he remains in critical condition. A second employee suffering from burn injuries was transported by ambulance and is listed in stable condition. A third worker declined medical treatment at the scene.
Investigators later determined the damage was not caused by an explosion. Officials say a large hot-water holding tank ruptured, releasing approximately 1.1 million gallons of water heated to around 180 degrees. The sudden release of pressurized hot water caused destruction that initially appeared consistent with an explosion.
The Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted in the investigation. The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office and Maryland Occupational Safety and Health also responded due to the workplace injuries.
The case has since been referred to the Maryland Department of Labor’s Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety Inspection Unit for further investigation.
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