6th victim positively identified in Silver Spring apartment complex explosion

SILVER SPRING, Md. - Authorities have positively identified another victim found in the debris of the deadly Silver Spring apartment complex explosion and fire two weeks ago.

Montgomery County police said 34-year-old Aseged Mekonen has been confirmed as one of the seven victims whose remains were recovered by search and recovery crews in following days after a natural gas-fed explosion destroyed buildings at the Flower Branch Apartments on Aug. 10.

Five other victims that have been positively identified are Maria Auxiliadorai Castellon-Martinez, 53, Augusto Jimenez Sr., 62, Saul Paniagua, 65, and two young children - Deibi "David" Samir Lainez Morales, 8, and Fernando Josue Hernandez Orellana, 3.

Investigators are continuing to work to identify the remaining victim.

Last week, authorities said the explosion and fire at the apartment complex involved natural gas and started in the building's meter room.