ANNAPOLIS, Md. — A 76-year-old woman was killed and a man was critically injured after an explosion leveled a home in Annapolis on Wednesday, Aug. 19, with investigators saying a gas company had been at the property filling a tank about an hour before the blast.
The Anne Arundel County 911 center received a call reporting a possible residential explosion at approximately 12:17 p.m. in the 1200 block of Green Holly Drive.
Fire and rescue units were dispatched at 12:19 p.m. and arrived at approximately 12:22 p.m., where crews found a collapsed single-family home.
An adult woman was found in the front yard in cardiac arrest. Firefighters and paramedics immediately began life-saving measures while other crews searched the unstable structure for additional victims.
The woman, identified by officials as 76-year-old Linda Synowczynski, was pronounced dead at the scene.
During the search, crews located an adult man inside the collapsed home. Firefighters worked through the damaged and unstable structure to reach him before successfully removing him from the debris.
Paramedics began life-saving treatment, stabilized the man and prepared him for air transport.
The Maryland State Police Aviation Command flew the man to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center with serious, life-threatening injuries. Officials later said he remained in critical condition.
An Anne Arundel County police officer also sustained minor, non-life-threatening injuries during the response and was transported by vehicle to a local hospital.
Gas Delivery Under Investigation
The Anne Arundel County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause and circumstances surrounding the explosion with assistance from investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a gas company had been at the residence filling a tank approximately one hour before the explosion.
Investigators have contacted the gas company for additional information as they work to determine whether the service visit played any role in the blast.
The large emergency response included the Anne Arundel County Fire Department, Annapolis Fire Department, U.S. Naval Academy Fire Department, Anne Arundel County Police, Maryland State Police Aviation Command and fire and explosives investigators.
First responders secured the scene and worked to mitigate potential hazards while investigators began examining the heavily damaged property.
Families in the surrounding area were later allowed to return to their homes, although portions of Green Holly Drive remained closed because of the ongoing investigation.
Officials said there was no active threat to the surrounding community.
The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
Got a tip or photo? Text us at 888-871-NEWS (6397) or email news@thebaynet.com.
Join The BayNet Membership for exclusive perks and zero ads.
Don’t miss a story—sign up for our newsletter!
