A portable propane cylinder connected to a basement stove exploded Tuesday evening, leaving a Denver homeowner badly burned.
Four other family members escaped the two-story home unharmed after the blast blew out windows in the back and started a fire in the basement, said Greg Champlin, assistant Denver fire chief.
The explosion at 21349 E. 44th Ave. occurred about 6:45 p.m.
The man’s name was not released. He was rushed to Denver Health Medical Center with burns on the upper half of his body.
Building inspectors had not determined Tuesday night whether the house was still structurally sound.
“It’s a clear violation of the fire code,” Champlin said, “and it appears he had that propane bottle hooked to the stove and it either leaked or ruptured and exploded.”
