Explosion, fatal fire at Maynard home was accidental, investigators conclude

MAYNARD, Mass. — Investigators have concluded that last week’s explosion and fatal fire at a Maynard home was accidental and caused by a leak in an underground gas line that ignited in a basement crawlspace.

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“On behalf of the Maynard Fire Department, I want to express our deepest condolences to the family as they mourn the loss of a loved one,” Maynard Fire Chief Anthony Stowers said. “This was an extremely fast-moving fire and it led to a terribly tragic event for them and for the town. It highlights the urgency of leaving the area of a potential gas leak and then reporting it quickly.”

State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey said it’s important to treat any potential gas leak as seriously as you would a fire alarm.

“Natural gas and propane are treated with a substance that has a distinctive odor that smells like rotten eggs. If you can smell it in your home, go outside to call 911 right away,” he said. “Don’t smoke or use any electrical appliances, even a light switch or thermostat, because any spark could lead to an explosion.”

The Maynard Fire Department received a call just after 4 p.m. on Sept. 2 reporting a potential gas leak at a home on Park Street.

When crews arrived a short time later, they found smoke and fire coming from the home and saw the flames were growing rapidly.

Firefighter made their way into the home and found a victim, a man in his 60s, dead.

Two police officers and a firefighter were injured in the fire but have since recovered.

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