The Aug. 20 blast on Green Holly Drive in the Cape St. Claire community near Annapolis was caused by propane that accumulated inside the home after the homeowner inadvertently cut a gas line while working on the HVAC system, Anne Arundel County fire investigators announced on Monday, Aug. 24.
What happened next proved catastrophic.
Investigators said the damaged line allowed propane to leak into the residence without the homeowner realizing it.
As he continued working, he used a metal grinder.
That provided the spark.
Investigators identified the grinder as the ignition source that ignited the accumulated propane, causing the explosion that leveled the home.
Family members later told investigators that the homeowner has a diminished sense of smell, which officials said may have affected his ability to detect the odor of the leaking propane.
The homeowner survived the explosion and remained hospitalized in serious condition as of Monday, according to the Anne Arundel County Fire Department.
A woman inside the home, previously identified as 76-year-old Linda Synowczynski, was killed.
The findings also resolve another question that emerged immediately after the explosion.
Investigators previously confirmed that a propane company had responded to the home and filled its tank roughly an hour before the blast.
Fire officials said Monday that the company did not contribute to the explosion.
The Fire Marshal Division's Fire/Arson/Explosives Unit reached its determination in coordination with state and federal partners.
Officials ruled the explosion accidental.
Following the investigation, the fire department reminded residents that propane and natural gas are highly flammable and warned against attempting to locate or repair suspected gas leaks without a qualified professional.
Anyone who smells gas or suspects a leak should leave the area immediately and call 911 in an emergency, officials said.
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