Crime & Safety

Stratford Man Hospitalized Following House Explosion

Randy Fera, 59, was one of three people injured in an explosion at a Shelton home Monday.

This article originally appeared on Shelton Patch.

Shelton police have released information about the circumstances that a preliminary investigation revealed led to the explosion today inside the residence at 67 Wopowog Trail.

According to police Sgt. Kevin Ahern, was installing new propane tanks in the basement of the house. A gas leak reportedly occurred and then led to an explosion. The force of the blast shattered the structure's main support beam, which is located directly above the tanks, Ahern said.

Find out what's happening in Stratfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Two employees of the Shelton-based company -- Gary Henry, 24, of Waterbury, and Randy Fera, 59, of Stratford -- were among the three individuals injured in the explosion.

Police identified the other victim as Luke Lauretti, 48, a friend of the homeowners who is also the brother of Shelton Mayor Mark A. Lauretti.

Find out what's happening in Stratfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

According to Ahern, Lauretti is in critical condition, while Fera was taken to Bridgeport Hospital's burn unit. Henry's injuries are believed to be life-threatening, he said.

No one that lives in the house was injured.

to read our original story on this afternoon's explosion.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.