UPDATED: Investigation into Dagsboro House Explosion Reveals Cause–Accidental; DSP Confirm 1 Dead and 1 Injured

February 19, 2026/Mari Lou

UPDATE–02/19/26–The investigation into a house explosion west of Dagsboro since September, 2025 has revealed that the incident was accidental–involving Liquified Petroleum gas with no indications of criminal activity. This event, at a home near the intersection of Gum Tree and Molly Field Roads, resulted in one occupant being killed and a second sustaining minor injuries. Currently, this incident is still under active investigation. According to the Delaware State Fire Marshal, due to the determination that this was an Accidental incident, the evidence collected from this case has been handed over to engineers and experts in the industry for further examination and analysis. The Office of the State Fire Marshal cannot specify a time frame for the completion of the further analysis.

UPDATED – 2:45pm – The investigation into a house explosion west of Dagsboro is underway by the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s office. Officials say just after 7am a home near the intersection of Gum Tree and Molly Field Roads suffered heavy structural damage from the explosion. One resident was able to escape with help from neighbors, but another was trapped inside the collapsed structure and was later found dead. Their body has been turned over to the Division of Forensic Science for identification and to determine the cause of death. The injured victim suffered minor injuries and is in stable condition. The investigation is being conducted by the State Fire Marshal’s office with help from State Police and the ATF. State Fire Marshal officials say there is no indication of criminal activity in relation to the explosion. Damage is estimated at $500,000.

The response to this incident was immense. Indian River VFC listed the various agencies that responded to the house explosion:

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UPDATED – 1:45pm – DelDOT reports that Molly Field Road between Gum Tree & 9 Foot Road has reopened. As has Gum Tree Road between Fox Run and Molly Field Roads

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UPDATED – 1pm – Delaware State Police confirm that one person is dead and another was taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after a house explosion just after 7 this morning near the intersection of Gum Tree and Molly Field Road west of Dagsboro.

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Emergency personnel from around Sussex County are on the scene of a house explosion west of Dagsboro. Just after 7am a 2-story home on Gum Tree Road exploded. Fire officials say that the home fully collapsed and the roof was blown into a nearby field. One resident has been removed from the debris, however a search was underway for a second victim.

Because of this incident and response – roads near the scene are closed – Molly Field Road is closed at Gum Tree and 9 Foot Roads and Gum Tree Road is closed between 9 Foot and Molly Field Roads. Anyone driving in this area should seek alternate routes.

Delaware State Police is assisting the Office of the State Fire Marshal with the investigation.