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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.
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The explosion occurred August 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. 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.
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.
The Source: Information in this article comes from the Anne Arundel County Fire Department.