One hospitalized after explosion in Colleton County

COLLETON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – Colleton County Fire Rescue (CCFR) crews are investigating Monday evening after a home explosion in Smoaks sent one person to the hospital.

Witnesses began reporting a large boom shortly after 8:00 p.m. Monday.

CCFR believes the incident may have been the result of a propane explosion. Initial reports indicate that “work was being performed on a private residential LP gas line prior to the explosion.” A 76-year-old man was taken to MUSC’s burn center with severe injuries but is in stable condition, according to CCFR.

Residents living as far away as Orangeburg and Walterboro reported booms and tremors.

CCFR officials report that the Charleston National Weather Service office determined that a strong temperature inversion was in place at the time of the explosion, allowing sound waves to travel farther. Using that information and reports from social media, officials compiled a shock wave map:

Crews had the structure fire, which resulted from the explosion, under control as of 9:10 p.m., but remained on scene.

The public is asked to avoid Community Avenue near Flash Lane and Strawberry Farm Road, which will be closed until further notice due to a “large debris field.”

Remnants of the home could be seen scattered across the street and hanging from nearby fences and telephone wires.

Thanks to our followers on social media we were able to compile a shock wave map. Due to the widespread reports of shockwaves we contacted the NWS-Charleston Office who relayed at the time of the explosion there was a strong temperature inversion in place which would help to trap the sound waves and allow them to travel farther.

Editor’s note: This story is breaking and will be updated.