Anne Arundel County officials confirmed that a tragic explosion at a Cape St. Claire residence on Wednesday was the result of an accidental cut to a propane line. The homeowner, who was performing HVAC repairs, sliced the line, allowing propane gas to fill the interior of the house unnoticed.

Sequence of events

Family members told investigators the homeowner has a diminished sense of smell, which likely prevented him from detecting the odor of the leaking propane. While continuing his work, he used a metal grinder. The spark from the grinder ignited the accumulated gas, producing a powerful blast that caused the second floor of the home, located in the 1100 block of Green Holly Drive, to collapse onto the first floor.

The explosion claimed the life of 76‑year‑old Linda Synowczynski, who suffered cardiac arrest at the scene. The homeowner was rescued from the debris with severe burns and was taken to a hospital in serious condition. An Anne Arundel County police officer also sustained non‑life‑threatening injuries and was hospitalized.

Investigation findings

County investigators emphasized that a propane company’s service visit earlier that day did not contribute to the incident. The primary cause was the homeowner’s accidental cut and the subsequent ignition while using the grinder.

Officials with the Anne Arundel County Fire Department used the tragedy to remind residents of basic gas‑safety practices. They urged anyone who smells gas or suspects a leak to evacuate the premises immediately and to contact the gas utility or emergency services rather than attempting to locate or repair the leak themselves.

Safety recommendations

The fire department’s guidance includes:

• Never ignore the smell of gas; if you detect it, leave the area right away.
• Do not use electrical tools, open flames, or switches near a suspected leak.
• Call the gas provider or 911 to report the situation.
• Ensure that all household members, especially those with reduced sensory abilities, are aware of gas‑safety protocols.

County officials continue to monitor the investigation and will release further details as they become available.

Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.