A tragic incident during a birthday celebration in Vermont has claimed the lives of a mother and her son. Sarah O’Sullivan, aged 46, and her 20-year-old son Liam, both from Essex Junction, died following a horrific explosion thought to be caused by a propane leak. Emergency services responded to the scene in Granville, Addison County, on the evening of September 5.
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The Vermont State Police reported that they received alerts about an explosion around 7:45 p.m. Upon arrival, first responders found a man at the scene who had already succumbed to his injuries. They discovered Sarah O’Sullivan severely injured and transported her to Gifford Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
Following an investigation by the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington, it was confirmed that both O’Sullivans lost their lives due to injuries sustained from the blast. The incident was classified as accidental, with authorities attributing the explosion to a propane leak within the family home located on Connecticut Trail.
According to information shared by the Vermont State Police, three other adults were injured in the explosion. While two of them sustained only minor injuries, another individual, identified as 69-year-old Sheila Hammond, remains in critical condition in an out-of-state medical facility.
Local residents were left shocked by the event. Brenda Buker, a neighbour who lives nearby, described the moment of the explosion, saying, “We heard a loud boom and stopped mid-sentence, didn’t know what had happened.” Buker further recounted how the loud noise shook her home, causing items to fall from the walls. Initially, she and her husband assumed the noise was related to nearby fireworks, which they had heard earlier that evening, not realising the seriousness of the situation.
As the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the explosion continues, the local community has expressed its profound grief over the loss of the O’Sullivans. Reports indicate that the birthday party was attended by family and friends, who are now mourning the unexpected tragedy.
The Department of Public Safety’s Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit has conveyed their deepest condolences to the families involved. In light of this incident, officials have urged residents to remain vigilant about safety practices regarding propane and other gas appliances. The loss of life during what was meant to be a joyous occasion serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with gas leaks in residential areas.
The community of Essex Junction and the larger Granville area are coming together to support those affected, with many expressing their sorrow for the families involved. As residents continue to process this harrowing event, efforts are underway to provide comfort and assistance to those in need.
This tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the importance of regular maintenance and safety checks on gas installations, particularly as families gather for celebrations in their homes. The Vermont State Police have vowed to provide updates as the investigation unfolds, ensuring transparency and support for all those impacted by this unfortunate event.