GRANVILLE, Vt. — Vermont State Police have concluded that a propane leak caused a residential explosion on Sept. 5 that killed a mother and her son and left a neighbor critically injured, officials said.
Blast leveled a home on Connecticut Trail
The explosion was reported at about 7:45 p.m. Saturday at a house on Connecticut Trail, off Post Office Hill Road, according to news releases from the Department of Public Safety. Investigators from the state’s Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit determined the blast was accidental and not suspicious.
The two people who died were identified as Liam O’Sullivan, 20, and his mother, Sarah O’Sullivan, 46, both of Essex Junction. Autopsies completed Sunday at the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington found both died of blast-related injuries.
Other victims and medical response
Three additional adults were taken to hospitals after the explosion. Two sustained minor injuries. Shiela Hammond, 69, of Granville remained hospitalized in critical condition at an out-of-state facility, officials said. One victim was pronounced dead at the scene and a second died after being taken to Gifford Medical Center in Randolph.
| Victim | Age | Residence | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liam O’Sullivan | 20 | Essex Junction | Died (blast-related injuries) |
| Sarah O’Sullivan | 46 | Essex Junction | Died (blast-related injuries) |
| Shiela Hammond | 69 | Granville | Hospitalized, critical |
Agencies on scene and next steps
Responding units included the Vermont State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit, the Bureau of Criminal Investigations, the Field Force Division and Victim Services Unit, along with the Division of Fire Safety and the Granville Volunteer Fire Department. State officials said the investigation focused on determining the origin and cause of the blast, and that their findings pointed to an accidental release of propane.
Officials did not release additional details about the condition of the home, whether the residence was occupied at the time by others beyond the victims named, or the source of the propane involved in the incident. The State Police provided the information in media releases and updates following the explosion.
Community impact and safety context
Explosions tied to fuel leaks, including propane, are rare but can be catastrophic because propane is stored under pressure and can ignite rapidly when mixed with air and an ignition source is present. Local responders said ensuring the area was safe required coordination among multiple state and local agencies.
- Emergency crews typically secure the scene and assess for remaining gas or structural hazards.
- Investigators with specialized training work to determine whether equipment failure, human error or other factors led to the leak.
- Victim services and local officials often coordinate with families and neighbors to provide support after such events.
The identities of the victims and the cause determination give residents and authorities some clarity about the event, but questions remain for the community about how the leak began and whether any broader safety measures are warranted.
What residents should know
State safety officials advise residents who use propane to follow manufacturer guidance on installation and maintenance, have appliances inspected regularly by qualified technicians, and install carbon monoxide detectors where appropriate. Signs of a propane leak can include a distinct rotten-egg-like odor (when an odorant is added), hissing sounds near tanks or lines, and dead vegetation near a tank or line.
Anyone who smells gas should leave the area immediately, avoid creating any sparks (including not using phones or light switches inside the affected structure), and call 911 from a safe location.
As this case proceeds, the Vermont State Police and Division of Fire Safety are the primary sources of official updates. Local families affected by the blast have been working with victim services, the state said.
Further information from state investigators will be released as it becomes available.
Elliot Vance is the WE NEWS state correspondent covering public safety and community affairs in Vermont.
