Deadly Annapolis home explosion ruled accidental, linked to propane gas buildup, investigators say
Deadly Annapolis home explosion caused by cut propane line
A deadly home explosion in Annapolis was sparked by a cut propane line.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Investigators have determined the deadly Annapolis home explosion in the city’s Cape St. Claire community was accidental and caused by an accumulation of propane gas inside the residence.
RELATED: Victim identified in deadly Annapolis house explosion
The explosion occurred Aug. 20 around 12:15 p.m. at a home in the 1100 block of Green Holly Drive.
Anne Arundel County Fire Department investigators say the homeowner was working on the HVAC system when a propane line was inadvertently cut, allowing gas to leak and build up inside the home. While continuing to work, the homeowner used a metal grinder, which investigators identified as the ignition source that triggered the blast.
RELATED: Woman killed, man injured in Annapolis home explosion
Family members told investigators the homeowner has a diminished sense of smell, which may have affected his ability to detect the leaking propane.
"The real danger is once you smell it, immediately, that's a cause for concern," said Captain Jenny Macallair of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department. "Propane and natural gas itself don't have an odor with them naturally, but manufacturers will pump in a raw egg smell. That way, people can smell if there's a leak."
Investigators say the propane company that responded to the residence that day did not contribute to the explosion. The homeowner remains hospitalized at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in serious condition.
"The male victim in this is obviously still in the hospital, in serious condition," Macallair said. "He suffered pretty extensive injuries as a result of the explosion. So, we wish for him to have a full recovery and for the family to heal because it is absolutely awful what happened."
Crews found a woman in cardiac arrest who was later pronounced dead at the scene. She was identified as Linda Synowczynski, 76.
An Anne Arundel County police officer sustained minor, non‑life‑threatening injuries and was taken to a local hospital.
Multiple surrounding homes were initially evacuated after the explosion, but residents have since returned.
The Source: Information in this article comes from the Anne Arundel County Fire Department.