A devastating explosion in Taunton, Massachusetts seriously injured a mother and her child, displaced several families and caused significant damage to nearby homes. The explosion, which occurred around 9:50 a.m. on Wednesday, February 25, shook a three-family home on Plain Street, causing the building to burst into flames. Police and fire brigade immediately responded to the scene, and found the house completely gutted in fire.
Authorities have identified the two victims as a 25-year-old mother and her 2-year-old child. Both were taken to nearby hospitals, the mother suffered severe burns and was airlifted to Rhode Island Hospital. The child was taken to Hasbro Children’s Hospital with serious injuries. The family’s neighbors, who had just witnessed the horror of the explosion, did their best to help, with one neighbor recalling feeling the intense heat from the flames even from his home.
“This was a very serious incident,” said Chief Lavigne of the Taunton Police Department. The explosion not only destroyed the house, but also caused significant damage to two neighboring houses, which suffered severe burn damage. In total, eight residents have been displaced, with their homes rendered uninhabitable by the explosion.
The timing of the explosion, just two days after a massive blizzard that dropped nearly 30 inches of snow on the area, further heightened the challenges facing first responders. Despite the harsh weather conditions, neighbors banded together to assist, even digging out fire hydrants buried under the snow to ensure they could assist firefighters in extinguishing the blaze.
While the explosion has left the community in shock, residents are focusing on the recovery of those injured and providing assistance to displaced families. “We tried our best to help,” said neighbor William Shivers, who witnessed the explosion.
The investigation into the cause of the blast is ongoing, with officials trying to determine the origin of the blast. As the investigation continues, the community remains united, rallying behind those affected by the tragedy. At present, the focus is on recovery and assistance to the victims and families affected by this devastating incident.