Officials discovered that a lit propane tank caused to Maine home explode, creating massive destruction in the neighborhood.
After the home on Shore Road in Sinclair exploded around 7 p.m. on Aug. 10, the resulting blast sending debris 300 feet into the air, some of which landed in a nearby lake, authorities determined a propane leak was the culprit.
Propane is commonly used in homes, especially those with gas stoves.
When there are leaks, a smell like rotten eggs or skunk permeates the area. However, it can go unnoticed because it usually stays closer to the ground, said North Lakes Deputy Fire Chief Derrick Ouellette. First alert 4.
The male homeowner was hospitalized after the massive propane explosion, according to WABI5.
A home on Shore Road in Sinclair exploded around 7 p.m. on Aug. 10, sending debris 300 feet into the air and damaging several homes.
The homeowner was hospitalized after the massive propane explosion (pictured). Neighbor Barabra Deschaine’s home was also damaged in the blast.
“I heard a loud bang and I felt like the floor was going to collapse in the basement and the ceiling was going to fall on me,” neighbor Barabra Deschaine told First Alert 4. “I looked out the window and there was debris flying everywhere.”
His home was damaged by the blast, causing debris to crash through the walls of his garage, he told the local outlet.
In other houses, windows were blown out and in one house the house caught fire and was destroyed. The family, who were there at the time, managed to evacuate the place unharmed.
“We’re lucky that so many fire departments came to help because it could have been a lot worse,” Deschaine said.
One way to detect a leak is to pay attention to your meter to see if more gas than normal is being used.
“I heard a loud bang and felt like the floor was going to collapse and the roof was going to fall on me,” he said (pictured: remains of the explosion)
Some debris ended up in a nearby lake, pictured above, after the explosion.
“If your consumption has increased and you haven’t consumed more than usual, there is a sign right there,” explains Ouellette.
Leaks can be dangerous and can occur for many reasons including open valves, pressure changes, and using an old tank.
If you suspect a gas leak, you should call 911 or your gas company and “leave the area immediately.” Con Edison saying.
Also, avoid lighting matches, starting cars or using electronic devices as these could cause a fire.
Homeowners should make sure stove burners are off before leaving the house, periodically check the connectors on gas appliances and avoid keeping flammable materials, such as candles, away from those appliances, according to Con Edison.