Overview
- A house explosion in the Cape St. Claire neighborhood on Thursday, August 20, left 76-year-old Linda Synowczynski dead, seriously injured the homeowner, and damaged the structure.
- Investigators concluded the homeowner accidentally cut a propane line while doing HVAC work, allowing gas to build up inside the house before a metal grinder provided the ignition that set off the blast.
- The Anne Arundel County Fire Department said the propane company that responded earlier the same day did not contribute to the explosion after a multi-agency investigation with federal partners.
- Family members told investigators the homeowner has a diminished sense of smell, officials said the injured homeowner remains hospitalized in serious condition, and an officer suffered minor injuries during the response.
- Officials warned that propane and natural gas are highly flammable, advised leaving immediately and calling 811 or 911 if you smell gas, urged hiring qualified technicians for gas work, and recommended working alarms for fuel-burning appliances.