Gas Company Filled Above Ground Propane Tank About an Hour Before Annapolis Home Explosion That Killed 76 Year Old Woman

A gas company had been at an Annapolis home filling an exterior, above-ground propane tank approximately one hour before an explosion collapsed the residence, killing a 76-year-old woman and leaving a man in critical condition, according to the Anne Arundel County Fire Department.

The explosion occurred August 19 in the 1100 block of Green Holly Drive in Annapolis.

At approximately 12:17 p.m., the Anne Arundel County Fire Department received multiple calls reporting a possible house explosion. Fire units arrived at approximately 12:22 p.m. and found a collapsed single-family residence with people trapped inside.

Following an initial assessment, firefighters located an adult woman in cardiac arrest. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The Fire Department later identified her as Linda Synowczynski, 76.

An adult man was rescued from the debris and transported by helicopter in critical condition to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. 

According to the Fire Department's August 20 update, he remained in critical condition.

An Anne Arundel County Police officer was also injured at the scene and transported by vehicle to a local hospital. The Fire Department subsequently described the officer's injuries as minor and non-life-threatening.

The investigation confirmed that an explosion occurred, according to Anne Arundel County Fire Department spokesperson Lt. Erick Jones.

Lt. Jones said investigators determined that a gas company had been at the property approximately one hour before the explosion, filling an exterior, above ground propane tank.

The Fire Department's subsequent August 20 news release said investigators had contacted the gas company for additional information.

The gas company was not identified in the information released by the Fire Department, and authorities have not said that the propane delivery caused or contributed to the explosion. The cause and circumstances surrounding the explosion remain under investigation.

The response involved the Anne Arundel County and Annapolis City fire departments and fire arson and explosives investigation units, Anne Arundel County Police and Naval District Washington.

First responders secured the scene and mitigated potential risks as investigators began working to determine the cause and circumstances of the explosion.

Families have since been permitted to return to their homes, although portions of Green Holly Drive remained closed because of the ongoing investigation as of the Fire Department's August 20 update.

Authorities said there is currently no active threat to the community.

Anyone with information regarding fires or explosive incidents may contact the Anne Arundel County Fire Department at 410-222-TIPS. Information may be provided anonymously.