Mother and daughter injured in Taunton house explosion

A mother and daughter have been taken to the hospital after a house explosion in Taunton, Massachusetts, on Wednesday morning, fire officials say.

The explosion was reported at a three-family home at 78 Plain St. Video from the scene shows a home engulfed in flames.

Taunton fire officials say a mother, 25, and her 2-year-old daughter were transported from the scene. The mother was taken to Rhode Island Hospital with serious burns. The daughter was also burned and taken to Hasbro Children’s Hospital with serious injuries.

Investigators believe the mother initially got out of the house on her own, Taunton Fire Chief Steven P. Lavigne said at a press conference. She went back in for her daughter, which was when she was hurt.

A third person, the mother’s boyfriend, was initially reported missing, but was located a short time later. He was not home at the time.

Emergency crews responded to a house explosion on Plain Street in Taunton, Massachusetts, on Wednesday morning, with multiple injuries reported, according to the state fire marshal’s office and mayor.

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

Utilities in the neighborhood have been shut down, Taunton Mayor Shaunna O’Connell.

Two other homes were damaged by the fire. One was vacant, and no one was home at the other at the time. Around 10 people are displaced.

A warming center is available for displaced residents at the senior center.

Taunton Mayor Shaunna O’Connell tells NBC10 Boston that three people were burned, and their conditions remain unclear.

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, though fire officials did confirm they are looking into this was a gas issue.

Eversource was called in to assist at the scene.

“We have gas personnel on site coordinating closely with fire officials in response to the incident in the area of Plain and Hart streets in Taunton. We are actively investigating the issue, and continue to work with local and public safety officials,” the company said in a statement.

The State Fire Marshal’s office said there is no further danger to the rest of the neighborhood.

State Police fire investigators are responding to support the Taunton Fire Department.

Gov. Maura Healey said she’s been briefed on the situation.

“I’m keeping those hurt in the explosion, their loved ones, and their neighbors in my prayers,” the governor wrote on X.

The public is being asked to avoid the area.

This comes after Taunton received around 30 inches of snow during Monday’s blizzard, with cleanup efforts still underway. Officials said the snowy conditions made the response more challenging.

“We had our police officers digging out fire hydrants when they got here,” O’Connell said.