Propane Tank Explosion in Cheshire Destroys Property

A propane tank explosion rocked Lake Shore Drive on Friday night at about 8. Miraculously, there were no injuries but the recreational vehicle and adjacent structure are a total loss.

iBerkshires.com  reports occupant David Willett said he was fortunate to get out unharmed.

"I was up watching TV and smelled a weird odor," he said on Saturday at the scene. "I got out of there and called 911." Two minutes later the propane tank exploded.

Lake Shore Drive is a dead-end road off Lanesborough Road, not far from the Route 8 intersection.

The explosion could be seen from the north end of the lake where residents gathered in the lake access parking lot to watch.

According to the Cheshire Fire Department, firefighters were dispatched at 8:06 p.m. for a report of a fully involved house fire with propane tank explosions. The first engine company on arrival reported heavy fire showing from an RV that was parked directly next to a residence.

The residence was also on fire.

Several propane tanks exploded while firefighters were battling the blaze, according to the statement by Cheshire Fire. The investigation by Chief Thomas Francesconi and a trooper with the State Police Fire Investigative Unit has determined the fire was not suspicious "and appears to be the result of a mechanical malfunction."