Photo: New Hampshire State Fire Marshal's Office
NASHUA, N.H. (WBZ NewsRadio) – Three firefighters were injured in Nashua, N.H. on Monday after a gas line explosion started a fire at the Greater Nashua Mental Health Center. Firefighters believe it is possible that falling ice could have started the gas leak, though the official cause is still under investigation.
While giving an update on Tuesday, officials said around 60 people in the building were able to get out safely before the explosion happened.
"Real close to a miracle," said Nashua Fire Chief Steve Buxton.
Firefighters were on scene to check out reports of people smelling gas and hearing “hissing” noises. It was during that primary investigation that the explosion happened, causing debris to fall on the firefighters.
According to officials, three firefighters were sent to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. One was quickly treated and released, and the other two stayed overnight.
Fire officials said they had difficulty accessing fire hydrants. The closest one had been hit by a plow during last week's snowstorm, and despite efforts, was unusable. The next closest, on a private property, was also not working. They did eventually find a hydrant to use outside of a nearby business about 500 feet from the scene.
The investigation is still underway, but officials warn that gas leaks are serious, and encouraged everyone to monitor their utility lines for any concerning ice.
“People should check to see if they have built up on their utilities and above their utilities, they should reach out to the utility company,” said Buxton.
WBZ NewsRadio's Madison Rogers (@madisonwbz) reports.