A natural gas leak triggered a powerful explosion Monday at a mental health facility in Nashua, injuring three firefighters and causing significant structural damage to the building. All patients and staff inside were able to evacuate safely before the blast, authorities said.
The incident unfolded at Greater Nashua Mental Health, where roughly 40 people were present when someone reported the smell of gas to emergency dispatchers. According to State Fire Marshal Sean Toomey, crews were already investigating the reported leak when the explosion occurred.
Nashua Fire Chief Steve Buxton said part of the structure began collapsing shortly after the blast. Three firefighters were transported to a local hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Emergency alerts were quickly sent to nearby homes and businesses, urging residents to extinguish open flames and prepare to leave the area as a precaution. The explosion was strong enough to be felt beyond the immediate scene.
Jesci Larochelle, who lives less than half a mile away, said the force of the blast shook her home. She initially thought something large had struck the house. Moments later, she received an emergency notification advising residents to take safety precautions.
Nashua, located in southern New Hampshire about 45 miles north of Boston, is one of the state’s largest cities. The affected facility sits along a busy commercial corridor and provides a range of services, including substance misuse treatment and specialized care for deaf and older adults.
Video footage from local television stations showed flames and thick smoke rising from the damaged structure. Debris appeared scattered across the snow-covered parking lot and surrounding area, highlighting the severity of the explosion.
Governor Kelly Ayotte, who is from Nashua, said she had been briefed on the situation and expressed appreciation for the swift response by firefighters and other first responders.
Officials noted that frigid temperatures across the Northeast may have complicated firefighting efforts. Chief Buxton said the prolonged cold spell made it more challenging to secure a steady water supply while crews battled the flames.
An investigation into the exact cause of the leak and explosion remains ongoing. Authorities have not indicated when the facility might reopen.
