Maryland Olive Garden Explodes as 70 People Eat

An explosion occurred at the Olive Garden restaurant in Laurel, Maryland, as some 70 people ate there.

Two employees suffered minor injuries in the blast, NBC Washington reported on Wednesday.

Rear of Laurel resteraunt had some type of explosion. No active fire. No injuries. Significant damage. PGFD 14650 Baltimore Ave pic.twitter.com/B2PAC2QfAy

— Mark Brady (@PGFDPIO) October 18, 2017

The blast sent debris from the restaurant across the parking lot, according to helicopter footage. The restaurant was severely damaged.

Investigators told NBC that an electric panel exploded.

#Breaking electrical panel was crackling and then the mgr says it blew up. Debris blown over to Laurel Lake. pic.twitter.com/pFEskCty3d

— Audrey Barnes (@LaurelPIO) October 18, 2017

#BREAKING 15 employees and 70 guests in Olive Garden escape unhurt after electrical explosion. No major injuries reported. No major fire. pic.twitter.com/6vOPFr8seL

— Audrey Barnes (@LaurelPIO) October 18, 2017

#BREAKING gas explosive at Olive Garden. All employees are ok. Back of building blown out. pic.twitter.com/Di8vHLq1uF

— Audrey Barnes (@LaurelPIO) October 18, 2017

Video Update from Olive Garden Resteraunt in Laurel #PGFD pic.twitter.com/rzvVgIRc6H

— Mark Brady (@PGFDPIO) October 18, 2017

Cherry Lane and 4th Street were shut down in Laurel.

“Debris flew hundreds of feet—some ending up near Laurel Lake,” the city of Laurel wrote on Facebook.

There were no major injuries from the explosion, Mark Brady, Prince George’s County Fire Department spokesman, said on social media.

YALL I just witnessed Olive Garden catch on fire. Like it exploded

— baby t (@__Tyraaaaa) October 18, 2017

The Olive Garden is located at 14650 Baltimore Ave. in Laurel.