Large house explosion caused by propane tank kills homeowner: officials

A homeowner is dead after officials say a large explosion erupted from a house in Ocean County early Tuesday morning.

Emergency services arrived to find a man on the front lawn of home on Neptune Drive in Stafford Township.

The man, identified as 45-year-old homeowner Kevin Thomas, was suffering from serious burns to his upper body.

He was airlifted to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

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Officials say the explosion originated from a corner bedroom, and was caused by the "release of propane from a tank to an open flame."

SKYFOX was live over the house, where a hole could be seen in the roof and debris scattered around the property.