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Community comes together to help Stamford couple following house explosion

A community effort is underway to help a Stamford couple following an explosion and fire at their home on Woodbine Road last month.

News 12 Staff

Jul 1, 2020, 9:04 PM

Updated 1,633 days ago

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A community effort is underway to help a Stamford couple following an explosion and fire at their home on Woodbine Road last month.
Nearly two weeks ago, Toni and Biagio Pietrantuono were awoken by an explosion in their home. The couple was forced to flee, trying to save their dogs, cats, and pot-bellied pig in the process.
Now, a fundraising campaign aims to help them rebuild their lives.
"One wall of the house is blown partially off and the rest of the house is no longer sitting on the foundation properly, so it looks like the entire house will have to be demoed once everything is situated with the insurance company," said daughter-in-law Melissa Pietrantuono.
Fire department officials say a leaky propane valve was likely behind the explosion that rocked the home off its foundation. They also call it incredible that no one was seriously hurt.
Biagio Pietrantuono fractured his foot during the escape, and Toni Pietrantuono is still recovering from bumps and bruises.
But it's the emotional pain that's far worse. The home has been in Toni Pietrantuono's family for more than 50 years and it's where the couple raised their three children.
But the Pietrantuonos have been met by an outpouring of kindness. A GoFundMe page to help with housing, food and clothing costs has raised more than $15,000 so far.
"They're just tremendously thankful to everyone in the community," said Melissa Pietrantuono.