Gas Appliance Installed by Unqualified Individual Causes Explosion in Cabin

Location: Interior Region
Regulated industry sector: Gas – Propane system

Incident Overview

An uncertified propane-fueled on-demand water heater was purchased online and installed in the crawl space of a cabin without a permit, by a person without qualifications. Incorrect gas fittings were installed that caused gas to leak into the crawl space. When the appliance started, an explosion occurred. The explosion resulted in second degree burn injuries to the face, hands, arms, and torso. The cabin’s windows, doors, and walls blew out; electrical components and interior surfaces in the cabin were damaged.