The owner of the Cape St. Claire, Maryland, home where an explosion occurred last week accidentally cut a propane line while working on the HVAC system, investigators announced Monday.
The explosion Wednesday afternoon left one woman dead and the homeowner, a man, in what investigators Monday called “serious condition” in the hospital.
Cutting the line caused propane gas to leak and accumulate inside the home without the homeowner realizing it. Family members told investigators he has a diminished sense of smell, which may have affected his ability to detect the odor of the leaking propane.
While continuing to work, the homeowner started using a metal grinder, which ignited the propane, causing the explosion, investigators determined.
The explosion caused the second floor of the home in the 1100 block of Green Holly Drive to collapse onto the first floor.
Linda Synowczynski, 76, suffered from cardiac arrest and died at the scene. The homeowner was rescued from the debris suffering from significant burns and was taken to the hospital in critical condition. Investigators said Monday he was still hospitalized in “serious condition.”
An Anne Arundel County police officer also suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital.
Investigators reiterated that a propane company’s visit to the home earlier that day did not contribute to the explosion.
Officials with the Anne Arundel County Fire Department reminded individuals that if they smell gas or suspect a leak, they should leave the area immediately and not attempt to locate or repair a gas leak.
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