New Milford, CT – An uncapped liquid propane line in the basement of 109 Sunny Valley Road caused the explosion that destroyed the house, killing a contractor and seriously wounding another man and a boy last August, state police said Tuesday.
Police released a final report on the explosion that flattened the home, killing Anthony J. Fratino III, 47, last Aug. 29.
An investigation by the New Milford Fire Marshal’s Office, the New Milford Police Department, and Connecticut State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Connecticut State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation unit found propane filled the basement and was ignited, causing the blast. Fratino’s 9-year-old son and homeowner John Wilkinson, 46, were seriously injured.
An abandoned propane line was not properly capped when a dryer was removed from the basement nine years ago. That line was accidentally opened by contractors during the installation of a propane water heater and upgrade of the propane lines in the house, police said. Fratino was investigating when the propane ignited. Police said it is unclear what lit the propane.
That explosion has been ruled an accident. No criminal charges will be filed.