City: North Stamford Home Didn't Explode from Leaky Gas Lines or Propane Tank

City officials on Friday issued an update on the explosion at a North Stamford home that obliterated the residence, stating they've found the two leading theories for why the explosion occurred were not, in fact, responsible, and are still working on finding out why the home filled with propane. 

On Tuesday, September 17, 2013, at approximately 1:48 p.m., an explosion occurred at 305 Webbs Hill Road as the homeowner, identified by authorities as Giuseppe Cardillo, was standing outside. He was sent to the hospital with minor injuries.

The 6,000-square-foot home suffered "catastrophic damage" and was completely destroyed as a result of the explosion and fire. A propane tank at the home was kept under a controlled burn until all the excess propane in the tank had burned off. 

According to a release from Public Safety, Health & Wellness Director Ted Jankowski's office, volunteer, city and state fire marshals have been conducting an investigation into the incident since it occurred, and Friday, officials said they found "no remarkable indications of a significant breech of the gas lines and determined that the 500 gallon, underground propane tank," were not the causes. 

The investigation resulted in the determination that a propane gas explosion occurred originating from within the dwelling and that multiple potential ignition sources were recovered, however, the source remains unknown. That portion of the investigation continues. 

The Connecticut State Police Aviation Unit and the state's Collision Analysis & Reconstruction Squad (CARS) have obtained aerial photographs and mapping of the scene. The Stamford Police Department assisted throughout the investigation. 

As of Thursday evening, officials said the property had been turned over to the custody of the homeowner's insurance company following completion of scene examination. 

Cardillo was treated at Stamford Hospital for minor injuries and released later that same day. A firefighter was treated for a minor back injury sustained at the scene and released Tuesday as well.