LAKEWOOD TOWNSHIP, NJ – A fatal explosion occurred on November 1 at a residence within the Lakewood Housing Authority on Sampson Avenue, leading to the death of Ronald Prichard, 67.
At around 4:15 p.m., Lakewood Township Police responded to reports of an explosion that caused a structure fire. Prichard, who was the only person in the housing unit at the time, sustained severe injuries and was rushed to Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus, where he later died.
Investigations conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, the Lakewood Township Police Detective Bureau, the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit determined that the explosion originated in the bedroom due to the ignition of natural gas by an open flame.
Further information will be released as the investigation continues. The community mourns the loss of Mr. Prichard and the local authorities are handling the situation with utmost diligence to prevent future incidents.