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Emergency personnel, including the Church Hill Volunteer Fire Department and paramedics from the Queen Anne’s County Department of Emergency Services, were dispatched to the 200 block of Laysan Teal Court. The teen’s condition was stabilized at the scene before he was flown by the Maryland State Police Aviation Command to Johns Hopkins Children’s Center in Baltimore. He is currently in stable condition.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal was called in to investigate after determining that the injuries were caused by an explosion. Investigators concluded that the boy had attempted to use a lighter to light a metal pipe filled with an unknown amount of black powder. The device exploded upon ignition.

Authorities found no evidence that the teenager intended to build an explosive device for a nefarious purpose, nor is any criminal intent suspected. A search of the property found no other explosives or dangerous materials.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal continues to remind the public of the dangers associated with improvised weapons and explosives. The agency remains committed to protecting citizens from fires and explosions through education, inspections and investigations.

For more information on fire safety, citizens can contact the State Fire Marshal’s office or visit its website and Facebook page.