Deadly Annapolis house explosion linked to propane line cut during home repairs

Investigators looking into an explosion last week that leveled a house in Annapolis and killed a 76-year-old woman, said they have determined the blast was accidental and caused by an accumulation of propane gas inside the home.

Anne Arundel County fire officials said on Monday that the homeowner was working on the home's HVAC system when a propane line was accidentally cut. The severed line allowed propane gas to leak and build up inside the home without the homeowner noticing. While the homeowner continued to work in the area, a metal grinder was used in the work, igniting the gas.

Fire officials said on Friday a preliminary investigation had found the explosion was accidental and not related to a propane delivery that happened earlier on the day of the blast. Investigators said they determined the propane company that made the delivery "did not cause or contribute to the explosion." 

The investigation was conducted by the Anne Arundel County Fire/Arson/Explosives Unit, in cooperation with state and federal partners.

Fire officials warn of propane dangers

Fire officials are reminding homeowners of the risks associated with propane, which is commonly used to fuel home appliances.   

"Because it is a flammable hydrocarbon, there are dangers of explosion when used improperly or when leaks go undetected," Anne Arundel County Battalion Chief Jay Cornell told CBS News Baltimore. 

The National Fire Protection Association estimates liquefied petroleum gas, which includes propane, is involved in more than 4,000 home fires each year, killing an average of 47 people and injuring more than 160. 

"The fire department recommends that homeowners annually service any appliances that are fueled by hydrocarbons, such as propane or natural gas," said Cornell. 

Homeowners should also learn to recognize the distinctive odor that is added to propane. "It's typically described as a rotten egg smell or an odor of a skunk," Cornell said.

The fire department said that family members indicated the homeowner has a diminished sense of smell and that may be why he was not able to smell the gas.

Because propane is heavier than air, leaking gas can collect in low-lying areas, like basements. 

"Usually, the fuel builds up to a large enough amount that when it does explode, it's catastrophic," said Cornell, adding, "If you do detect an odor of gas in the home environment, you should exit the premises immediately and call 911."

Woman killed, husband critically hurt in the explosion

The explosion, which took place around 12:15 p.m. Wednesday in the 1100 block of Green Holly Drive, left one woman dead and a man suffering from severe burns.

The woman who died was identified as 76-year-old Linda Synowczynski. Fire officials said she went into cardiac arrest following the explosion and was pronounced dead at the scene. Neighbors had started performing CPR on her before firefighters arrived.  

Synowczynski's husband, who was rescued from the debris, suffered severe burns and was airlifted to the hospital. A statement issued Monday said he remains hospitalized in serious condition. 

Witnesses describe efforts to help the victims

Joseph and Benjamin Toms were staying at their father's house nearby when they felt the blast. They said they called 911 and ran toward the rubble. 

"The first thing we thought of was to search for anyone, call, see if we could hear anyone," said Benjamin Toms. 

Joseph Toms said his Navy training kicked in and he knew what to do. 

"I yelled, 'We have a light pulse.' We saw her feet, we both grabbed part of the roof and lifted it up," he said. "Neighbors rushed, they helped us lift it up, got her out, that's when first responders came in."

Despite their efforts, Synowczynski was pronounced dead on the scene. Her husband, Stan, was unaccounted for as he was trapped under the debris. 

"We were calling out for him, it took a few minutes, we finally heard after three or four minutes, he must have come to, his voice. We were able to see him, and when his head popped out in the middle of the rubble, it was a huge relief," said Joseph Toms, who also ended up going to the hospital himself after inhaling fiberglass during the search.