Officials discovered that a lit propane tank caused a Maine home to explode, creating created mass destruction in the neighborhood.

After the home on Shore Road in Sinclair exploded around 7 pm on August 10, the resulting blast sent debris 300 feet in the air, with some landing in a nearby lake, authorities determined the culprit was a propane leak. 

Propane is commonly used in households, especially those with gas stoves. 

When leaks happen, a smell of rotten eggs or skunk spray fills the area. However, it can go unnoticed, as it typically lingers closer to the ground, North Lakes Deputy Fire Chief Derrick Ouellette told First Alert 4. 

The male homeowner was hospitalized after the massive propane explosion, according to WABI 5. 

A home on Shore Road in Sinclair exploded around 7 pm on August 10, sending debris 300 feet in the air and damaging multiple homes

The male homeowner was hospitalized after the massive propane explosion (pictured). Neighbor Barabra Deschaine’s home was also damaged in the explosion

‘I heard a boom and I felt like the floor was going to cave into the cellar and the roof was going to fall in on top of me,’ neighbor, Barabra Deschaine, told First Alert 4. ‘I looked out the window, and there was debris flying all over.’ 

Her home was damaged by the explosion, causing debris to rip through the walls of her garage, she told the local outlet. 

Other homes saw their windows blown out and another residence even caught fire, destroying the home. The family, who were home at the time, managed to evacuate safely. 

‘We’re fortunate that so many fire departments came to help because it could have been a lot worse,’ Deschaine said. 

One way to spot a leak is to pay attention to your meter to see if more gas is being used than normal. 

‘I heard a boom and I felt like the floor was going to cave into the cellar and the roof was going to fall in on top of me,’ she said (pictured: debris from the explosion) 

Some debris ended up landing in a nearby lake, pictured above, after the explosion 

‘If your consumption has gone up and you haven’t used any more than usual, there’s a sign right there,’ Ouellette said. 

Leaks can be dangerous and can happen for many reasons, including valves being left open, pressure changes, and using an old tank. 

If one suspects a gas leak, they should call 911 or their gas company and ‘leave the area immediately,’ Con Edison said. 

Also, avoid lighting matches, starting cars, or using electronic appliances as they could spark a fire. 

Homeowners should double-check that their stove burners are turned off before leaving the house, regularly check connectors to gas appliances, and avoid having flammable materials – like candles – away from those appliances, according to Con Edison.