Forty-five-year-old James Borg was the only one in the house when it exploded.
He suffered burns over 70 percent of his body.
Authorities say the blast in the Joliet Township home happened because Borg cut the dryer's gas line and left the valve open.
Police say Borg is also a suspect in the disappearance of his girlfriend who hasn't been seen since June.
He has not been charged in that case.
