Gas explosion in New Hampshire injures 3 firefighters, destroys building

Three firefighters were injured in a natural gas explosion and fire at a commercial building in Nashua, New Hampshire, according to state and local officials.

The incident occurred around 2:15 p.m. Monday at Greater Nashua Mental Health, located at 440 Amherst Street, when firefighters responded to a report of a ruptured natural gas line, officials said.

New Hampshire State Fire Marshal Sean P. Toomey, Nashua Fire Chief Steve M. Buxton, and Nashua Police Chief Kevin Rourke said initial crews were investigating reports of a gas odor and a hissing sound when an explosion occurred minutes after their arrival.

The blast injured three City of Nashua firefighters and caused the building to catch fire. Officials said the injured firefighters were transported to an area hospital with injuries determined to be non-life-threatening.

As the fire spread, mutual aid was requested from surrounding communities, and additional crews evacuated about 40 people from the building.

The City of Nashua issued an emergency alert to wireless phones, asking people in the area to refrain from using burners or other open flames due to the ongoing gas leak.

Utility crews later shut off the damaged gas line, and the fire was declared under control by about 6 p.m., officials said.

Investigators are examining whether the gas line may have been damaged by falling ice. The building was completely destroyed by the fire.