Sign up for the Today newsletter
Get everything you need to know to start your day, delivered right to your inbox every morning.
Explosion and fire at Taunton home seriously injures mother and 2-year-old child
The three-family home on Plain Street was destroyed Wednesday morning.
An explosion and fire destroyed a Taunton home Wednesday morning, seriously injuring a mother and her 2-year-old child, authorities said.
The Taunton fire and police departments responded to reports of an explosion at 78 Plain St. around 9:50 a.m., according to a statement from the fire department.
Firefighters arrived to find the three-family home fully engulfed in flames, with multiple burn victims reported.
Two residents were hospitalized: The 25-year-old mother was transported to Rhode Island Hospital with severe burns, and her 2-year-old child was taken to Hasbro Children’s Hospital with serious injuries, according to the fire department.
“From what I believe, the female got out. She realized the child was inside the house. She went back in for her child, and that’s when she suffered her injuries,” Fire Chief Steven P. Lavigne said.
Advertisement:
Lavigne added that the severity of the injuries, according to witnesses, appeared serious, though their current conditions were not immediately known.
The home, which housed three families, is a total loss, and eight residents have been displaced, according to the fire department.
Two neighboring homes also sustained serious burn damage, and Eversource was on site to shut off utilities at the affected homes, Lavigne said.
Firefighters battled the flames with a ground attack and brought in several aerial trucks, with assistance from the Raynham Fire Department, authorities said.
The cause of the explosion is under investigation by the Taunton Fire Department, Taunton Police Department, and the State Fire Marshal’s Office, Lavigne said.
Advertisement:
Taunton Mayor Shaunna O’Connell visited the scene afterward and emphasized the community and first responders’ quick actions.
“Everybody helps one another. … Our first responders were excellent on the scene right away,” she said. “We are very fortunate in Taunton to have such professionals that work here and to also have the state come in to help us as well.”
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com