Three Firefighters Injured After Natural Gas Explosion at Mental Health Facility in Nashua, NH
NASHUA NH, A building was engulfed in flames and declared a total loss following a natural gas leak that caused a massive explosion at a mental health facility in Nashua, New Hampshire, Monday afternoon.
An initial 911 call at approximately 2:15 p.m. reported the smell of gas inside the Greater Nashua Mental Health Center, located at 440 Amherst Street.
Firefighters responded to the building shortly afterward, and Nashua Fire Chief Steve Buxton said the explosion occurred moments before crews were preparing to enter.
Three firefighters suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to the hospital. Buxton said one firefighter has since been treated and released, while two others with facial injuries were expected to remain hospitalized overnight.
Buxton also confirmed that four people who were initially unaccounted for have been located. He said all 40 individuals inside the building were able to safely evacuate and are now accounted for.
Crews from Liberty Utilities, the company responsible for gas service to the facility, are on scene working alongside firefighters and the Fire Marshal’s Office to determine the cause of the explosion.
Amherst Street remains shut down to traffic as the investigation and emergency response continue.
