Man dies from injuries sustained in Ocean County, New Jersey house explosion

STAFFORD TWP., New Jersey (WPVI) -- A man has died after he suffered severe burns in an early-morning house explosion in Stafford Township, New Jersey, police said.

According to Stafford Township police, officers responded to 253 Neptune Drive early Tuesday morning for a report of a large explosion and structure fire.

Officers treated 45-year-old Kevin Thomas on the front lawn of his home before he was airlifted to Temple University Hospital with serious burns to his upper torso. He died a short time later.

The surrounding homes were evacuated until the scene was deemed safe.

Investigators said the explosion originated from the bedroom of the home. The cause of the explosion was the release of propane from a tank to an open flame, investigators said.

Additional information about the specifics of the explosion remains under investigation.

The house has been deemed unlivable.