A fire and explosion that destroyed a Taunton home has been deemed accidental.

State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan and Taunton Fire Chief Timothy Bradshaw issued a joint statement saying the explosion at 40 Christine Ln. resulted from an attempt by the homeowner to make a repair on gas-fueled hot water heater.

The statement says the homeowner, identified in media reports 52-year-old Laurie Beliveau, removed the gas shut off valve which allowed gas to pour into the basement.

Bradshaw and Coan say the explosion was ignited by any one of a number of possible sources including the pilot on the hot water heater, the furnace, or an electrical switch.

Coan says this incident demonstrates why it is important to hire trained professionals to handle home repairs.

“This explosion illustrates what can go wrong when attempting do-it-yourself repairs without the proper training," said Coan "contact professionals for maintenance and repairs on major home appliances and systems.”

Beliveau was able to escape without injury, but the home is considered a total loss.

The incident was investigated jointly by the Taunton Fire Department and State Police assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

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