Propane Tank Caused Fatal Stafford House Explosion: Prosecutor

STAFFORD, NJ — A propane tank caused a "large explosion" that led to a Stafford home catching fire and killing the homeowner in the early hours of Oct. 31.

The home, located on the 200 block of Neptune Drive, exploded shortly after midnight, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Stafford Township Police Chief Thomas Dellane said. Homeowner Kevin Thomas, 45, was found in the front lawn suffering from serious burns to his upper torso, authorities said.

Thomas was airlifted to Temple Burn Center in Philadelphia, where he later died from his injuries, authorities said.

A dog escaped from the house, according to News 12, and was later secured by animal control.

The explosion blew out every window in the home and put a hole in the roof, News 12 reported.

Surrounding homes were evacuated until the scene was deemed safe.

Authorities determined that the origin of the explosion was the southwest corner bedroom of the residence and that the cause of the explosion was the release of propane from a tank to an open flame.