WASHINGTON — At least two people were injured in an explosion and fire Wednesday night in Columbia, Maryland.

Howard County Fire and EMS crews were called to the scene around 7:20 p.m. after witnesses reported an explosion along the 12000 block of Sleepy Horse Lane, near Little Patuxent Parkway. When crews arrived, a townhouse was engulfed in flames, and the 3-alarm fire spread to neighboring homes.

One Baltimore Gas and Electric employee was injured, but fire officials say the injuries were not life-threatening. It is unclear exactly where the employee was at the time. At least one person was also rescued from a neighboring home.

Fire officials say two people were transported to a hospital from the scene, and multiple residents were being evaluated for smoke inhalation.

WTOP’s Ari Ashe reports that multiple townhouses were damaged. Photos from the scene showed blown out windows, torn insulation and debris in the roadway.

Members of the Red Cross responded to Sleepy Horse Lane to offer assistance.

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.