Gas Explosion at Nashua Mental Health Center Injures 3

NASHUA, New Hampshire:

Three firefighters were injured after a natural gas leak caused a powerful explosion and fire at the Greater Nashua Mental Health Center on Monday. Fortunately, all people inside the building were evacuated safely before the blast.

According to State Fire Marshal Sean Toomey, nearly 40 people were present inside the facility when a caller reported the smell of gas and dialed 911. Emergency crews arrived and began investigating the situation.

While firefighters were still on site, a sudden explosion occurred, causing part of the building to collapse. Nashua Fire Chief Steve Buxton confirmed that three firefighters suffered injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital. Their injuries were reported as non-life-threatening.

Emergency Alerts Issued

Following the explosion, authorities sent emergency alerts to nearby residents and businesses. People were advised to turn off open flames, extinguish burners, and prepare for possible evacuation.

Local resident Jesci Larochelle, who lives less than half a mile from the site, said she felt her house shake violently. She initially thought something had fallen nearby before receiving the emergency alert on her phone.

Building Severely Damaged

Aerial footage from local television showed flames and thick smoke rising from the wreckage. Large pieces of debris were scattered across the snow-covered ground and nearby parking areas, indicating the force of the blast.

The Greater Nashua Mental Health Center provides substance misuse treatment, along with specialized services for older adults and the deaf community. The facility is located on a busy commercial road in southern New Hampshire, about 45 miles north of Boston.

New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte, a Nashua native, said she had been briefed on the incident and praised the “heroic efforts” of firefighters and first responders.

Fire officials noted that extreme cold weather in the region made firefighting efforts more difficult, especially when trying to supply water to control the flames.

Ongoing Investigation

The cause of the gas leak remains under investigation. The incident comes amid growing concern over gas-related explosions, following a similar deadly blast at a Pennsylvania nursing home last year that led to lawsuits and a federal probe.