A propane tank explosion resulted in the death of a homeowner in Stafford Township, New Jersey, on October 31, 2023, around midnight.
Kevin Thomas, 45, suffered severe burns during the incident.
The Stafford Township Police Department responded to the explosion and structure fire at the home on 253 Neptune Drive. Upon their arrival, officers found Thomas on the front lawn with serious burns to his upper torso. Emergency services airlifted him to a burn center in Philadelphia, where he later died.
Officials investigating the explosion determined that the blast originated from a propane tank located in the bedroom. Additional details indicate that the accident was caused by a discharge of propane from the tank, which met an open flame, resulting in a devastating detonation.
Thomas, after the explosion, knocked on a neighboring door seeking help. His immediate and visible injuries prompted a call to emergency services.
In addition to Thomas, a dog was inside the home at the time of the explosion. The canine was able to escape without any reported harm.
Thomas’ home received significant damage from the explosion. The intensity of the fire and the subsequent destruction have raised concerns about the safety of using propane tanks in residential settings.
Propane, a flammable hydrocarbon gas, is commonly used for heating and cooking in many households across the United States. While it’s considered safe when handled correctly, leaks or mishandling can lead to dangerous situations.
Many in the Stafford Township community expressed their condolences to Thomas’ family.
