Annapolis house explosion leaves woman dead, man injured

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - A home explosion in Annapolis, Maryland, left a woman dead and a man critically injured Wednesday afternoon. The incident caused widespread damage and displaced multiple families, according to Anne Arundel County first responders. 

What we know:

The explosion occurred shortly after noon in the 1100 block of Green Holly Drive. A man and woman were inside the home at the time, officials said. 

Firefighters arrived to find the woman on the driveway, where neighbors were attempting CPR. Despite life-saving efforts, she was pronounced dead. 

The man who was inside suffered significant burns, according to officials. A responding officer sustained a leg injury and a neighbor was evaluated for exhaustion. 

Anne Arundel County Assistant Fire Chief Larry Schultz noted that there was no fire present when crews arrived. However, the explosion left significant structural damage and scattered debris nearly half a block.

Investigators and fire crews stayed on the scene to search for a propane tank as the possible source of the explosion. 

According to Schultz, a vendor had serviced and supplied the home's propane tank about an hour before the incident. Authorities have not yet determined if the service is connected to the cause of the explosion.

The explosion displaced four families, including residents of the houses on either side of the property and two homes directly across the street. 

What's next:

Road closures are expected to continue through Wednesday night. Anne Arundel County Police Captain Jon Mahaffee confirmed officers are securing the area, with Green Highway Drive closed between Ramblewood Drive and Rolling View Drive.

The fire department is urging the public to avoid the area and asking residents not to fly drones nearby so that the airspace remains clear for investigative crews.

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