TAUNTON, Mass. — A devastating blast tore through a Massachusetts neighborhood Wednesday morning, destroying a multi-family residence and sending a young mother and toddler to local hospitals with critical injuries.
Fire crews rushed to the three-unit dwelling around 9:50 a.m. after reports of an explosion, according to local fire department officials. A 25-year-old woman suffered extensive burns while a 2-year-old sustained severe injuries in the incident, both requiring immediate hospital treatment.
Fire Chief Steven Lavigne addressed the severity of the situation, stating: “The situation is now under control, but this was a very serious incident. The weather conditions present unique challenges, but we plan for these situations.”
The primary residence was completely destroyed, leaving eight people without homes, fire department officials confirmed. Two neighboring houses also sustained significant fire damage. City officials quickly established an emergency warming shelter for those forced from their homes Wednesday.
Mayor Shaunna O’Connell spoke to media on a street crowded with emergency vehicles and snow banks, acknowledging she was uncertain whether the victims were inside the structure when the explosion occurred.
Given the tight spacing between residences in the area, O’Connell noted that neighboring families were also forced to evacuate their homes. The powerful blast was heard by residents living several blocks from the scene.
Local resident William James Shivers Jr. rushed to assist with evacuation efforts when he heard the explosion. “Neighbors helping neighbors, as it should be,” Shivers commented. “Taunton police and fire are amazing and I’m blessed to be a part of this community.”
Jake Wark, representing the state Department of Fire Services, confirmed multiple casualties and urged community members to stay clear of the area to allow emergency responders unobstructed access.
State police fire investigation teams and the state fire marshal’s office have joined Taunton fire officials to investigate what triggered the explosion, according to Wark.
The incident occurred as Taunton and much of the Northeast continued recovering from a major winter storm that dumped over two feet of snow on the community of approximately 60,000 residents, located roughly 38 miles south of Boston.
