Propane Tank Explosion Causes Fire, 1 Burn Victim Hospitalized

WEST ISLIP, NY — A 49-year-old gas company employee was injured after a tank explosion caused a fire in West Islip Thursday morning. The West Islip Fire Department responded to a Paprocki Avenue home at about 9:56 a.m. on a report of a possible propane explosion.

Crews quickly started cooling the tank and knocking down the fire. The Town of Islip Hazmat team was immediately requested to handle the overfilled 120 pound tank.

Suffolk Police say the man, who works for Ideal Bottle Gas, was filling the propane tank at the home when the gas ignited. He was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment of burns on 40 percent of his body.

Firefighters and Suffolk County police officers helped to evacuate the area for precautionary reasons. Hazmat personnel arrived and secured the tank to burn the rest of the propane in a safe manner.

Photo credit: FF Joseph Gemellaro

The fire was under control after about an hour. The Bay Shore Fire Department, Babylon Fire Department and Bay Shore-Brightwaters Ambulance Corp. also responded to assist.

The explosion is under investigation by the Town of Islip Fire Marshal’s and Suffolk County Police Department Arson Squad.

Detectives are asking anyone with information on this incident to call the Arson Section at 631-852-6024.

Photo credit: FF Joseph Gemellaro

Photo credit: FF Joseph Gemellaro

Photo credit: FF Joseph Gemellaro