Taunton, Massachusetts — A young mother and her 2-year-old daughter were making pancakes in their apartment when a powerful explosion tore through their home, leaving both seriously injured and displacing multiple families, officials said.
Authorities say the blast happened Wednesday, Feb. 25, at a three-family residence in Taunton. The explosion, believed to be linked to a natural gas leak, sparked a massive fire that engulfed the structure and left it a total loss, according to the Taunton Police Department.
‘I Heard a Big Boom’
Family members say Lucitha Blanc, 25, and her daughter Jenelle, 2, were inside their second-floor apartment cooking breakfast when the explosion occurred.
Blanc’s boyfriend, Shnider Germilus, told local outlets he was on the phone with them at the time.
“I heard a big boom and my daughter screaming and my girl screaming,” he said. “She turned the stove on, and it exploded in her face. My daughter was right next to her when it happened.”
According to Germilus, Blanc initially escaped the apartment but rushed back inside when she realized her daughter was still trapped.
Fire Chief Steven P. Lavigne said the mother managed to get out of the burning building before going back in to retrieve her child.
Germilus also shared that Blanc had been dealing with a cold and may not have been able to smell gas before turning on the stove.
Hospitalized After Blaze
First responders transported Blanc to Rhode Island Hospital, while Jenelle was taken to Hasbro Children’s Hospital for treatment.
Officials have not released detailed information about their injuries but confirmed both were seriously hurt.
“Our thoughts remain with the mother and daughter who were seriously injured, as well as everyone affected by this incident,” Fire Chief Lavigne said.
Snow Complicated Rescue Efforts
Rescue operations were made more difficult due to a recent blizzard that dumped nearly 30 inches of snow on Taunton earlier in the week.
Neighbor William Shivers said residents worked together to dig out fire hydrants buried under snow.
“It was really hot. You could feel the flames at my house,” Shivers said. “We all just came out and tried to do the best we can to help out our neighbors.”
Multiple Families Displaced
Police confirmed that three families lived in the home, and the explosion displaced eight residents. The structure has been declared a total loss.
Two neighboring homes also sustained serious burn damage, authorities said.
A GoFundMe campaign created to support Blanc and her family has raised more than $30,000 to help cover medical bills and housing needs. Family members say nearly all of their belongings were destroyed in the blast.
Despite the devastation, Germilus said he is grateful his loved ones survived.
He said he looks forward to being able to “hold [his] baby again once she fully recovers.”
The exact source of the gas leak and what triggered the ignition remain under investigation.
What are your thoughts on home safety and gas leak awareness after incidents like this? Share your perspective respectfully in the comments below.
