The State Fire Marshal’s Office says a propane leak led to an explosion in Winder that killed three people.
The residential explosion happened just after midnight Saturday on Hidden Acres Road south of Braselton. Neighbors heard the explosion and reported it to the Barrow County 911 Center.
“As firefighters arrived quickly, multiple explosions were going off inside the home,” says Chief Alan Shuman. “The home was fully involved in fire and was collapsing as a result of the fire. Several vehicles were also involved.”
First responders arrived to find four occupants in the yard, three were injured. The State Fire Marshal’s Office says two of the victims suffered severe burn injuries and were transported to Grady Hospital for treatment.
Inside the residence, firefighters located three female victims. Their bodies were transported to the GBI Crime Lab for identification and autopsy.
“The explosion occurred when one of the occupants attempted to use propane gas for cooking purposes. The rubber hose connecting the propane tank to a camping burner was leaking the gas, which was then ignited by a wood burning stove on the opposite side of the room,” says Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King.
Chief Shuman says the explosion is a tragic reminder of how “extremely dangerous” it is to have propane cylinders stored in your home or any other structure.
State fire investigators assisted the Barrow County Emergency Services, sheriff’s office, and coroner with the investigation.
