House Explosion Leaves Mom, Child Seriously Burned in Taunton, MA
Boston Herald
(TNS)
BOSTON — A Taunton mother and her toddler suffered life-threatening burns during a house explosion, as the woman went inside the engulfed structure to rescue her 2-year-old child, according to authorities.
The mother and child were being treated at local hospitals for burn injuries that Taunton Fire Chief Steven Lavigne described at the scene as “more than likely” life-threatening.
“What I believe is that the female got out, she realized the child was inside the house, she went back in for her child,” Lavigne told reporters at the scene, “and that’s when she suffered her injuries.”
“Seeing the destruction, people being inside, I am not surprised at their injuries,” the chief added. “We will see what happens.”
At about 9:50 Wednesday morning, the Taunton Fire Department received multiple calls reporting a potential fire or explosion at 78 Plain St. Initially, one fire crew responded to the scene with city police officers, Lavgine said.
“They encountered heavy fire initially, a lot of smoke, a lot of fire,” the chief said. He added that the blaze extended to and damaged two adjacent homes. The three-family home that exploded has been deemed a total loss, displacing eight residents.
Eversource arrived at the scene to shut off utilities at the affected homes, according to town officials.
The Raynham Fire Department responded with an ambulance to take the mother, 25, to Rhode Island Hospital. Brewster, Taunton’s ambulance provider, brought her toddler to Hasbro Children’s Hospital, also in Providence.
“We are praying for that family. It was a devastating scene,” Taunton Mayor Shaunna O’Connell told reporters at the scene. “I am so thankful that we have just wonderful police and firefighters that were on the scene so quickly.”
The Taunton Fire and Police departments are investigating the cause of the fire. The State Fire Marshal’s Office is assisting.
Gov. Maura Healey said she was briefed on the fire and advised residents to avoid the area so responders can investigate the blaze.
“I’m keeping those hurt in the explosion, their loved ones, and their neighbors in my prayers,” the governor stated in a social media post.
Lavigne said Wednesday’s weather conditions presented unique challenges, as the Bristol County city received even more snow after measuring around 30 inches during the Blizzard of ’26 on Monday.
“We really want to stress to people that there is still a natural disaster happening,” O’Connell said. “Please stay off the roads. It made it much more difficult for our people to get here. If you don’t need to be out, don’t be out.”
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