By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• Three Nashua, New Hampshire, firefighters were injured in an explosion and fire at the Greater Nashua Mental Health facility while responding to a reported gas leak.
• About 40 people inside the facility evacuated safely before the blast at 440 Amherst Street.
• One firefighter was released from the hospital, and two remained under care with non-life-threatening injuries.
• Fire officials shifted to defensive operations after the explosion and called in mutual aid as the building was compromised.
NASHUA, NH — Three firefighters were injured Monday afternoon when a natural gas leak triggered an explosion and subsequent fire at the Greater Nashua Mental Health facility on Amherst Street, officials said.
First responders were investigating a reported gas odor inside the facility, where about 40 people were present, when the explosion occurred, Nashua Fire Chief Steve Buxton and State Fire Marshal Sean Toomey said. All occupants evacuated before the blast, and officials later confirmed everyone was accounted for.
The explosion and fast-moving fire led to heavy structural damage, prompting fire crews to transition to defensive operations. Firefighters were hampered by difficult conditions, and mutual aid units assisted in suppressing the blaze.
Three firefighters were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries; one was treated and released, and two were expected to remain for further care, according to fire officials.
Emergency alerts were issued to nearby homes and businesses advising residents to extinguish flames and prepare for possible evacuation due to the gas leak.
State and local investigators, including the New Hampshire Fire Marshal’s Office and utility representatives, were working to determine the cause of the gas leak and explosion.