Dartmouth man charged in house explosion, police believe fireworks contributed

DARTMOUTH, Mass. (WLNE) — The Dartmouth Police Department has charged a town resident in connection with a house explosion earlier this month.

According to Dartmouth Police Chief Brian P. Levesque, Kevin Ruiz, 54, is charged with:

• Possession of component parts capable of creating a destructive/incendiary device
• Possession of explosives
• Wanton destruction of property over $1,200 (three counts)
• Disturbing the peace

Police determined in their preliminary investigation that the explosions were caused by the ignition of fireworks and related substances in the garage of the home, according to Chief Levesque.

Ruiz is charged in connection to the discovery of these fireworks.

The exact cause was “impossible to determine” due to the extensive damage of the home, according to Chief Levesque, but authorities believe that the explosion was accidental.

The incident occurred on September 2 at approximately 12:57 a.m., and Dartmouth first responders arrived at 20 Sagamore Drive for multiple reports of an explosion.

Responding crews reported heavy fire and explosions coming from the garage of the home.

All residents of the home were evacuated and one suffered serious but non-life-threatening burns in the incident.

There were three dogs in the residence at the time, and one of them was found deceased at the scene.

Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad technicians investigated the scene for potential hazards that might have triggered the explosion.

The incident was investigated by Dartmouth police, Dartmouth Fire District 1, and Massachusetts State Police working with the state fire marshal’s office.

Ruiz will be arraigned on October 6 in New Bedford District Court.