STAFFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ – A structure explosion in the early morning of October 31 led to a fatal fire on Neptune Drive. Authorities confirmed Kevin Thomas, 45, the homeowner, died from injuries sustained in the blaze.
Stafford Township Police Department responded to the explosion that quickly evolved into a structure fire. Responding officers discovered Thomas on the front lawn, suffering from severe burns to his upper torso.
He was airlifted to Temple Burn Center in Philadelphia, where he later died.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Stafford Township Detective Bureau, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit.
Officials determined the explosion originated from a southwest corner bedroom in the residence. The cause was identified as the release of propane from a tank to an open flame.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Stafford Township Police Chief Thomas Dellane jointly announced the findings. The incident remains under further investigation.