Authorities: Propane tank explosion kills man in Stafford Township home
The victim was identified as 45-year-old homeowner Kevin Thomas.
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A deadly explosion in a home in Ocean County early Tuesday morning was caused by a propane tank, according to county authorities.
The explosion happened around midnight on Neptune Drive in Stafford Township. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office says the explosion resulted in a house fire. The victim was identified as 45-year-old Kevin Thomas, the homeowner.
Doorbell camera video shows the victim knocking on the door of a nearby home calling for help. That home belongs to Mary Biniaminov.
“Super scary last night. The guy came banging on our door and I honestly didn’t even know what it was, and he was screaming for help,” she says. “Five minutes later we saw cops, firetrucks, so we went outside, and we saw the house was up in flames.”
Officers found Thomas on the front lawn with severe injuries. He was airlifted to Temple Burn Unit in Philadelphia but died from his injuries. There was also a dog inside that home at the time.
“He got out right during the explosion. He ran right passed me. Animal control…were able to get the dog and they secured him,” says resident Matt Brown.
Brown says all the emergency services programs worked very well together.
“The greatest organization and teamwork I’ve ever seen in my life,” he says.
Officials say the explosion originated in the home’s bedroom. They say it was caused by propane gas being exposed to an open flame. The home has been deemed uninhabitable.
