Fears as common household product is blamed for terrifying home explosion in Maine that ripped through neighborhood
Officials discovered that a burning propane tank was the cause A Maine At home explode and cause massive destruction nearby.
After the home on Shore Road in Sinclair exploded around 7 p.m. on Aug. 10, 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 widely used in households, especially in households with gas stoves.
When there are leaks, a smell of rotten eggs or skunk spray fills the area. However, it can go unnoticed because it tends to linger closer to the ground, said Derrick Ouellette, North Lakes deputy fire chief First warning 4.
The male homeowner was hospitalized after the massive propane explosion, according to WABI-5.
A house on Shore Road in Sinclair exploded around 7 p.m. on August 10, sending debris 300 feet into the air and damaging several homes
The male homeowner was hospitalized after the massive propane explosion (pictured). Neighbor Barabra Deschaine’s home was also damaged by the explosion
“I heard a bang and I felt like the basement floor was going to cave in and the roof was going to fall on me,” neighbor Barabra Deschaine told First Alert 4. “I looked out the window and saw debris flying everywhere.”
Her home was damaged in the explosion and debris erupted from the walls of her garage, she told the local outlet.
Other homes had their windows blown out and another even caught fire, destroying the house. The family, who was home at the time, managed to evacuate safely.
“We are glad that so many fire departments came to help, because it could have been a lot worse,” Deschaine said.
One way to spot a leak is to look at your meter and see if more gas is being used than normal.
“I heard a bang and I felt like the basement floor was going to collapse and the roof was going to fall on me,” she said (pictured: debris from the explosion)
After the explosion, some of the debris landed in a nearby lake, pictured above
“If your consumption has increased and you haven’t used more than normal, there will be a sign,” Ouellette said.
Leaks can be dangerous and can occur for a number of reasons, including open valves, pressure changes or using an old tank.
If you suspect there is a gas leak, you should call 911 or your gas company and “leave the area immediately.” With Edison said.
Also avoid lighting matches, starting cars and using electronic devices as this can cause fires.
According to Con Edison, homeowners should check that stove burners are turned off before leaving the home, regularly check connections to gas appliances, and make sure there are no flammable materials, such as candles, near these appliances.