Natural Gas Leak Caused Taunton House Explosion, Officials Say

TAUNTON (WBSM) — The house explosion that seriously injured a mother and her toddler in Taunton on Wednesday has been determined to be the result of a natural gas leak.

READ MORE: Mother, Toddler Hurt in Taunton Blast

Taunton Fire Chief Steven P. Lavigne announced today that the explosion at 78 Plain Street that injured a 25-year-old mother and her two-year-old daughter was not suspicious. In a release, the department said that “due to the catastrophic damage caused by the explosion and subsequent fire, the exact location of that leak and the cause of ignition remain under investigation at this time.”

The victims remained hospitalized on Thursday.

Agencies Assisting in the Taunton Explosion Investigation

The explosion is being investigated by the Taunton Fire Department, the State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s Office, Taunton Police and other assisting agencies, including Eversource and the Department of Fire Services Code Compliance & Enforcement Unit.

Taunton Officials on Gas Leak Explosion

"Our thoughts remain with the mother and daughter who were seriously injured, as well as everyone affected by this incident," Chief Lavigne said.

READ MORE: Middleboro Shopping Plaza Evacuated Due to Gas Leak

"One home was a total loss as a result of this explosion, and two others sustained significant fire damage. We also want to remind residents that if you ever smell gas, please leave the building and immediately call 911 from a safe location," he said.

"Our hearts are with this young mother and her daughter as they fight to recover," Taunton Mayor Shaunna O'Connell said. "This is a devastating event for their family and for the Plain Street neighborhood."

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"The City of Taunton is grateful to our first responders and partner agencies for their coordinated response, and we stand ready to support the family and surrounding residents in any way we can in the days ahead," she said.