Griswold Propane Explosion Near Hopeville Pond Closes Local Road

# Griswold Home Explosion: Propane Tank Blast Rocks Quiet Connecticut Neighborhood

A powerful propane explosion jolted a quiet neighborhood in Griswold, Connecticut. The blast caused major damage to a home, but, thankfully, the homeowner only suffered minor injuries.

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The incident happened on July 21, 2025, along Hopeville Road. Local authorities are now urging Connecticut residents to pay more attention to propane tank safety and maintenance—something a lot of people probably overlook until it’s too late.

Details of the Griswold Explosion

Neighbors said the blast sounded like a “sonic boom.” The explosion came from a propane tank behind a house on Hopeville Road.

It was intense enough that people in nearby towns like Jewett City and Voluntown felt the shock several miles away. Emergency crews from Griswold and surrounding areas rushed over, working fast to put out the fire and secure the scene.

Homeowner’s Narrow Escape

John Nowakowski, the homeowner, was inside when everything erupted. Somehow, he made it out with just minor injuries.

First responders treated him right there. He didn’t need to go to the hospital, which, honestly, seems almost unbelievable considering how badly the house was damaged.

Nowakowski’s home took a big hit, but most neighboring houses avoided serious structural damage. Some folks nearby did end up with broken windows and a bit of exterior mess, though.

Investigation Underway

The local fire marshal’s office and Connecticut State Police have started digging into what caused the explosion. Early signs point to the propane tank, but investigators still don’t know exactly why it blew up.

“We’re examining all possible scenarios,” someone from the fire marshal’s office said. “Similar incidents have happened in Waterford and Montville, so we’re looking at what we learned there.”

Community Response and Safety Concerns

The blast has definitely rattled people in Griswold and nearby towns like Lisbon and Preston. Quite a few residents want to set up safety awareness sessions.

Local officials are planning to hold informational meetings soon. They’ll cover propane safety basics, like:

Regular checks on propane tanks and connections

Making sure certified pros handle installation

How to spot a propane leak (that unmistakable rotten egg smell)

What to do right away if you think there’s a leak

Propane Safety Reminders

After the explosion, safety officials around New London County, including folks from Stonington, have been stressing how important propane maintenance really is. “A lot of homeowners don’t realize propane tanks need regular professional inspection,” a Groton fire department official pointed out.

Connecticut law requires periodic propane tank inspections, but the details depend on the tank’s size and use. Homeowners should keep inspection records and let their propane provider know right away if something seems off.

Moving Forward

The investigation isn’t over yet, but folks in Griswold and the nearby towns are already stepping up to help Nowakowski. Local officials pointed out how emergency crews got there fast, and honestly, that probably kept things from getting much worse.

This whole incident really hits home for Connecticut residents. Propane isn’t something to mess around with, and following safety rules matters more than most people realize.

Here is the source article for this story: Propane explosion in Griswold near Hopeville Pond closes road, police say

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