Driver lights cigarette and propane tank explodes, shaking homes in Virginia NBC4 Washington

[IronLionZion]

[Aussie105]

1. Hatch and doors blown wide open! Quite a bang, I imagine.

Does propane not have an additive that smells and allow easy detection of leaks?

[blue-wave]

2. Allegedly it does have an additive

From an AI search:

Propane is naturally odorless, but a chemical called ethyl mercaptan is added to give it a distinctive smell, often described as similar to rotten eggs, for safety reasons.

[IronLionZion]

3. Propane is odorless but companies add ethyl mercaptan so we can smell a leak

Maybe she had scent issues and didn't notice the smell. That can happen with some illnesses like COVID.

[mtngirl47]

4. Smokers have scent issues and we know she was smoking.

Probably not covid.

[Norrrm]

5. Safety tip... snuff and chewing tobacco won't do that.

[hlthe2b]

6. It is amazing the driver's injuries were not more devastating than described.

I wish her well, but damn, smokers... Carrying flammable or explosive materials (even that which you deem safe) is not the time or place to light up. Heavens!

[Aussie105]

7. As a smoker, I can vouch that the smell additive is effective.

Smells like overcooked cabbage to me.

Anyhow, I hope the driver survived - and gives up smoking.

I guess - third degree burns, blown eardrums, major hair loss at a minimum?
(Missed any reference to injuries.)

In it's defence, a propane + air explosion is quite gentle, unlike dynamite.
Relatively slow fire front wave progression, brief exposure to high flame front temperature.
Damage is done by the pressure build up.

Yes, I experimented in my youth.

Balloon with propane/air mix, string attached, light the string, let the balloon go.
And watch the fireball.

Not recommended, but yeah, I was a teenager . . .