New Hampshire Mental Health Center Hit by Gas Explosion, Three Firefighters Injured

NASHUA, N.H. (JN) – A gas explosion at a mental health center in southern New Hampshire injured three firefighters and caused major structural damage, authorities said Monday. All residents and staff at the Greater Nashua Mental Health facility evacuated safely before the blast.

The emergency began when someone inside the facility reported a strong smell of natural gas and called 911. Firefighters arrived to investigate when the explosion occurred. Part of the building collapsed, Nashua Fire Chief Steve Buxton said. The three firefighters were taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

State Fire Marshal Sean Toomey said authorities issued emergency alerts to nearby homes and businesses. Residents were told to extinguish flames and prepare for possible evacuation. Jesci Larochelle, who lives less than half a mile from the center, said she felt her house shake from the blast. She received the alert shortly afterward.

The facility provides substance misuse treatment and services for older adults and deaf individuals. It is located along a busy commercial road in Nashua, about 45 miles north of Boston. Aerial footage showed flames and smoke rising from the rubble, with debris scattered across the parking lot and snow-covered areas.

Governor Kelly Ayotte, a Nashua native, praised the “heroic efforts” of first responders. She confirmed she had been briefed on the explosion. Buxton said unusually cold weather in the Northeast slowed firefighting efforts by making it harder to deliver water to the flames.

The blast echoes a similar incident last year in Pennsylvania, where a natural gas leak at a nursing home killed three people and injured others. That case is under federal investigation and has led to ongoing lawsuits. Officials said the Nashua explosion is being investigated to determine the exact cause.

Emergency Response and Safety Measures

Authorities said quick evacuation and alert systems prevented civilian injuries. Firefighters faced challenging conditions, with sub-zero temperatures affecting equipment and water supply. Local officials advised residents to be cautious around gas lines and to report unusual odors immediately.

Broader Context

Natural gas leaks in commercial and residential buildings are an ongoing safety concern in the U.S., particularly during winter when heating systems are heavily used. Federal and state regulators have called for better monitoring, inspections, and rapid response measures to prevent accidents.