NASHUA, N.H. (AP) — A natural gas leak caused a significant explosion at the Greater Nashua Mental Health center on Monday, injuring three firefighters who were responding to the scene. Fortunately, the building's occupants, estimated to be around 40 people, safely evacuated following the alert regarding a gas odor.
As firefighters investigated the situation, an explosion occurred, leading to parts of the building collapsing, according to State Fire Marshall Sean Toomey and Nashua Fire Chief Steve Buxton. The injured firefighters were transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
In response to the incident, local authorities dispatched an alert to nearby homes and businesses, urging residents to extinguish any open flames and prepare for potential evacuation as a safety precaution.
A witness living nearby, Jesci Larochelle, described feeling her house shake from the explosion and began checking for damage after receiving the alert. The Greater Nashua Mental Health center, providing substance misuse services and support for deaf and elderly populations, is located in a heavily commercial area.
The explosion, captured in aerial footage, showed flames and smoke billowing from the site, with debris scattered across a nearby parking lot and snow-covered ground. Governor Kelly Ayotte, a native of Nashua, expressed her gratitude to the firefighters and first responders for their heroic efforts in dealing with the situation.
The incident’s timing amid a cold spell in the Northeast posed additional challenges for fire crews, particularly in getting water to the flames. This explosion echoes similar tragic events from the past, including a deadly gas explosion at a Pennsylvania nursing home last year that prompted serious repercussions, including federal investigations.
