Propane leak, grinder spark caused deadly Cape St. Claire home explosion, fire marshal say

Investigations conclude cause of deadly explosion

The Anne Arundel County Fire Department's Fire Marshal Division, Fire/Arson/Explosives Unit, has completed its investigation into a fatal home explosion in the Cape St. Claire community, determining that an accidental propane leak and an ignition spark from a metal grinder caused the blast. The explosion occurred at a home in the 1100 block of Green Holly Drive in Annapolis on Thursday, Aug. 20, at approximately 12:15 p.m.

Investigators said the explosion was accidental in nature and originated from an accumulation of propane gas inside the residence. The homeowner was working on the home's HVAC system when a propane line was inadvertently cut, allowing gas to leak and build up without being noticed. While continuing to work, the homeowner used a metal grinder, which officials identified as the ignition source that triggered the explosion.

According to the fire department, family members told investigators that the homeowner has a diminished sense of smell, which may have affected his ability to detect the distinctive odor of propane. The investigation also determined that the propane company that responded to the scene on the day of the explosion did not contribute to the incident.

Victims and injuries

The explosion destroyed the single-family home. Crews arriving at the scene found an adult woman in cardiac arrest, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim has been identified as 76-year-old Linda Synowczynski.

An adult man, reported to be the homeowner, was rescued from the debris and flown by helicopter to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. As of the Aug. 24 update, he remained hospitalized in serious condition, after earlier reports described his condition as critical. Additionally, an Anne Arundel County police officer sustained minor injuries and was taken by vehicle to a local hospital.

Safety reminders from officials

In the wake of the tragedy, the Anne Arundel County Fire Department issued a safety reminder emphasizing that propane and natural gas are highly flammable. Officials advised anyone who smells gas or suspects a leak to leave the area immediately and call 811 or 911 in an emergency, and to refrain from operating anything that could create a spark.

The department also said people should never attempt to locate or repair a gas leak on their own, and that gas-related work should be performed by qualified professionals. Additionally, noting that some people may have a diminished sense of smell, the department recommended that individuals should not rely solely on odor detection as a safety measure.