A Tuesday evening incident involving modified illegal fireworks resulted in an explosion within a Darnestown, Maryland residence, causing significant injuries to two adults and extensive property damage. The explosion occurred around 5:45 p.m. in the garage of a single-family home. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services reported that a mother and her adult son, the home's occupants, sustained various traumatic injuries and were transported to the hospital. Initial reports indicated the son was in critical condition.

According to fire investigators, a resident had been tampering with or altering components of illegal fireworks prior to the explosion. The blast ripped the garage door off its hinges and damaged vehicles parked in the driveway. The estimated cost of damage to the home is at least $400,000.

The aftermath of the fireworks explosion in Darnestown, Maryland. (Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services)

While details surrounding the events leading up to the explosion remain limited, a Montgomery County Fire spokesperson characterized the incident as an accidental "mishap" and "malfunction." Several household pets, including a dog and a cat, were thankfully rescued unharmed.

The force of the explosion caused significant damage to the garage and vehicles. (Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services)

Emergency personnel assess the damage at the Darnestown home. (Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services)

A cat and dog were among the pets safely retrieved from the residence. (Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services)

Nearby homes were temporarily evacuated as a precaution until the bomb squad declared the area safe. The incident is currently under investigation. As a reminder, the Montgomery County government website clearly states the illegality of all fireworks within Montgomery County, Prince George's County, and the City of Baltimore.