HOWLAND Officials issue report on duplex explosion

The explosion sent one man to the Akron Burn Center.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HOWLAND -- The cause of a Nov. 8 explosion at a Raglan Drive N.E. duplex remains undetermined, fire investigators say
Investigators said a pipe cap on the drip leg of the gas line inside 7861 Raglan was "purposely removed," but they haven't determined if the resulting explosion was planned or accidental.
Investigators found the pipe cap and a pair of pliers below the drip leg.
"The investigator has no knowledge of a pipe cap used in this manner loosening itself and falling off," the report said.
Steven Barker, 40, who lived at 7861 Raglan, spent several weeks in serious condition at the Akron Burn Center. He suffered burns over nearly 100 percent of his body, firefighters said.
Investigators said Barker also spent several weeks at Forum Health Hillside Rehabilitation Center. Officials did not know his whereabouts.
Marcia A. Caroots, 47, who lived at 7863 Raglan, suffered a leg injury.
The duplex was destroyed, officials said.
Neighbors said that Barker and a woman moved into the duplex in August but that the woman moved a few weeks before the explosion.
The explosion happened at 9:57 p.m. near the furnace on Barker's side of the duplex.
Furniture and personal items were strewn over the lawn. Two cars parked in separate garages at the duplex also were destroyed.
The explosion also caused damage to the duplex next door, at 7855 Raglan.
A mother and daughter were inside that home but were not seriously injured, firefighters said.