Man Severely Burned After Explosion In Stratford Garage

STRATFORD, CT — A man suffered severe burns after an explosion Sunday in Stratford, according to a fire official.

Firefighters were called about 1:45 p.m. to respond to a combination explosion and fire at a house on Mill Pond Circle, according to Assistant Chief and Fire Marshal Robert Daniel.

Three adults and two teens were at the home when the explosion occurred, Daniel said. One of the adults, a 42-year-old man, was taken to Bridgeport Hospital to be treated for severe burns covering 60 percent of his body, according to Daniel. The occupants of the house — six people in total, plus two dogs — were displaced but not injured, and the American Red Cross has been called to assist, Daniel said.

The explosion, which happened in the garage, blew out the garage doors and center beam, Daniel said, noting there was smoke damage throughout the home but the majority of the fire was contained to the garage. The cause of the explosion was unknown Sunday evening.

“Right now it’s still under investigation,” Daniel said.

A trooper with the Connecticut State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit was dispatched to help determine the cause.

More than 20 firefighters responded to the blaze with four engines, a rescue truck and a ladder truck, according to Daniel.