Residential Explosions and Fires

A three-family home in Taunton, Massachusetts exploded and erupted in flames around 9:50 a.m. Wednesday, severely burning a 25-year-old mother and seriously injuring her 2-year-old child, officials said. Fire Chief Steven Lavigne reported the blaze is under control but the house is a total loss, eight residents have been displaced, and two adjacent homes also suffered serious fire damage on the tightly spaced street. Taunton Mayor Shaunna O’Connell said she did not yet know whether the injured victims were inside when the blast occurred, while nearby residents described hearing a loud boom and rushing in to help people escape despite deep snow. The city opened a warming center for displaced residents as Taunton digs out from more than two feet of snow left by this week’s nor’easter, conditions Lavigne said posed unique challenges for firefighters. State police fire investigators and the state fire marshal’s office have joined local authorities to determine the origin and cause of the explosion, and officials are asking the public to avoid the area to keep access clear for emergency crews.