Three firefighters were injured, one of them seriously, following an explosion and fire at a commercial building on Amherst Street in Nashua. The incident occurred at approximately 2:15 p.m. when fire officials responded to reports of a gas leak at 440 Amherst Street, which houses the Greater Nashua Mental Health facility.
Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a gas-fed fire. A small explosion trapped some firefighters briefly inside the building, but they successfully escaped. The nature of the incident led to an immediate evacuation of all firefighters as the integrity of the structure was compromised. Efforts to contain the flames continued from outside, where significant smoke billowed from the roof of the building.
As a precaution, an emergency alert was issued in the area, advising residents to extinguish any open flames and prepare for potential evacuation. Local authorities urged everyone in proximity to the site to remain vigilant and avoid the area.
The conditions of the injured firefighters include one with serious injuries, while the other two sustained non-life-threatening injuries. In light of the situation, Amherst Street was closed between Somerset Parkway and Thornton Road to facilitate emergency response efforts.
This story remains developing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The bravery and quick response of the Nashua firefighters underscore their commitment to public safety, even in the face of such dangerous circumstances.