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11 Years Later: The Block Island House Explosion At 719 West Beach Road And Its $1.2 Million Legacy

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Over a decade has passed since the catastrophic event that rocked the serene coastal community of Block Island, Rhode Island. On a quiet Saturday evening, June 14, 2014, a massive propane explosion at a residence on West Beach Road resulted in the near-total structural collapse of the home and sent two occupants to the hospital with serious burn injuries. As of today, December 22, 2025, the incident remains a stark reminder of the hidden dangers of gas leaks in residential properties, particularly in remote island settings where emergency response is a critical factor.

The immediate investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s Office quickly determined that the cause was a propane gas explosion, likely triggered after the homeowners returned to the seasonal property. The force of the blast was so immense that multiple neighbors reported hearing a loud noise and witnessing the house collapse, prompting a rapid and challenging response from the Block Island Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department (BIVFRD).

The Catastrophic Details: What Happened on West Beach Road?

The explosion occurred at approximately 4:44 p.m. at 719 West Beach Road, a private residence in the town of New Shoreham. The incident quickly escalated from a reported loud noise to a major disaster, with the structural integrity of the home compromised almost instantly.

  • The Victims: Two individuals inside the home at the time of the blast were injured. They were rushed to the hospital, with reports indicating they suffered severe burn injuries. The prompt action of neighbors and the quick arrival of first responders were crucial in managing the immediate aftermath.
  • The Cause: Investigators pinpointed a propane gas leak as the root cause of the explosion. Propane, being heavier than air, can accumulate in low-lying areas, basements, or enclosed spaces, creating a highly volatile environment when an ignition source is introduced.
  • The Response: The BIVFRD, a volunteer service vital to the Block Island community, responded within minutes. Their efforts focused on extinguishing small fires that erupted post-explosion and securing the dangerous, unstable structure. Coordinating the transport of the injured off the island to mainland Rhode Island hospitals was a significant logistical challenge.

The sheer power of the blast served as a wake-up call for the island, highlighting the unique vulnerabilities of a coastal community dependent on individual propane suppliers like AmeriGas, Littlefield & Sons, and Suburban Propane for heating and appliances.

A Decade Later: The Rebuilding and Property’s Current Value

The aftermath of the 2014 explosion left a gaping hole on West Beach Road. For years, the site was a painful reminder of the disaster. However, the latest public records indicate a remarkable transformation and a fresh chapter for the property.

According to the most recent tax history data for 719 W Beach Rd, the property has not only been rebuilt but has seen a massive increase in its assessed value.

  • 2025 Tax Assessment: The property is currently assessed at a value of $1,241,700 for the 2025 tax year.
  • Value Surge: This current assessment reflects a significant 37.8% increase from the previous year, suggesting that a major construction project—the rebuilding of the home—was completed and officially assessed in 2024.
  • A New Legacy: The multi-million dollar valuation confirms that a new, substantial structure now stands on the site of the former disaster. This new home represents a fresh start, built under potentially stricter modern building codes and safety regulations following the original incident.

This financial data provides the most current and unique update on the event, demonstrating the island’s resilience and the high value placed on Block Island real estate, even after a catastrophic loss. The new structure stands as a testament to the property owners' determination to recover from the disaster.

Propane Safety in a Coastal Community: The Block Island Response

The 2014 explosion prompted a renewed focus on safety protocols across New Shoreham. For Block Island, a popular summer tourist destination, the integrity of its infrastructure and emergency preparedness is paramount.

The island’s reliance on propane gas, as opposed to a centralized natural gas pipeline, makes individual property safety checks essential. Propane is stored in tanks and delivered by specialized suppliers, including local operations like Littlefield & Sons.

Enhanced Emergency Preparedness and Oversight

The Block Island Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department (BIVFRD) is the primary entity responsible for preserving life and property. The explosion provided a high-stakes training scenario that likely influenced subsequent updates to the town's Hazard Mitigation & Flood Management Plan and overall emergency response procedures.

  • BIVFRD Capabilities: The department, while volunteer-based, maintains a rapid response capability to address medical emergencies and structural fires, often coordinating with mainland resources for severe cases, such as the burn injuries sustained in the blast.
  • Propane Regulations: The Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers oversees Pipeline Safety Regulations, which incorporate consensus standards for propane systems. The incident spurred a closer look at the training requirements for propane technicians and the frequency of safety inspections for residential tanks, especially those at seasonal homes that sit dormant for long periods.
  • Community Entities: Groups like the Emergency Management Task Force and the Coastal Resilience Committee play ongoing roles in disaster preparedness, ensuring the island is ready for everything from severe weather to industrial accidents.

The disaster also served as a cautionary tale about the critical need for homeowners and property managers to install and regularly check carbon monoxide and gas detectors, particularly before re-occupying a residence after an extended absence. Propane leaks are often odorless until a chemical odorant is added, but a faulty line or appliance can quickly fill a space with the explosive gas.

The $1.2 million property now standing at 719 West Beach Road is a physical symbol of recovery, but the true legacy of the Block Island house explosion is the heightened awareness of safety protocols that now protect the island’s residents and visitors. The community of New Shoreham continues to prioritize emergency preparedness, ensuring that the lessons learned from that catastrophic Saturday in 2014 are never forgotten.

block island house explosion
block island house explosion

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