Mother, Toddler Seriously Injured in Taunton House Explosion

TAUNTON (WBSM) — A mother and a two-year-old child were seriously injured after an explosion led to a house fire in Taunton this morning.

According to Taunton Fire Chief Steven P. Lavigne and Taunton Police Chief Edward J. Walsh, their departments responded at about 9:50 a.m. to 78 Plain Street following reports of an explosion at the residence, with multiple burn victims.

Fire Crews Battle Fully Engulfed Home

Firefighters arrived to find the three-family home fully engulfed in flames. Eversource was on site to shut off utilities.

Fire crews began a ground attack against the flames and brought in several aerial trucks. The officials said all Taunton Fire apparatus and off-duty personnel responded to the scene, as well as an engine and ambulance from the Raynham Fire Department.

“The situation is now under control, but this was a very serious incident,” Chief Lavigne said. “The weather conditions present unique challenges, but we plan for these situations.”

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Mother and Toddler Suffer Severe Burns

A mother and child were both transported to area hospitals for treatment. The 25-year-old mother was taken to Rhode Island Hospital with severe burns, and the two-year-old child was taken to Hasbro Children’s Hospital with serious injuries.

No firefighters were injured.

Eight Residents Displaced After Total Loss

The structure was deemed a total loss, and eight residents have been displaced. Two adjacent homes sustained serious burn damage as well.

State Fire Marshal Investigating Cause

The officials said the origin and cause of the explosion are under investigation by the Taunton Fire Department, Taunton Police and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.