DERRY, N.H. – Tragedy struck a quiet New Hampshire town as an elderly woman lost her life in a house explosion, leaving a juvenile female critically injured. The incident, which occurred on Goodhue Road in Derry on Thursday morning, prompted an immediate response from emergency crews, underscoring the devastating impact of the blast.
The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office launched an investigation into the explosion, revealing that the elderly woman perished in the home while the juvenile female was rushed to the hospital for urgent medical care. Authorities refrained from disclosing the identity of the deceased individual, emphasizing the familial relation between the two victims who were the sole occupants of the residence at the time of the explosion.
Eyewitness accounts shed light on the harrowing scene as neighbors, like Gina Lubrun, describe hearing a deafening boom that propelled them into action. Lubrun’s swift response led her to the collapsed home where she encountered the injured girl urgently seeking help for her grandmother trapped inside the wreckage.
Despite the unfolding chaos, nearby residents rallied together to support the young girl, aiding in her distress and contacting emergency services to provide assistance. As the investigation continues, initial findings suggest that a fallen tree onto propane tanks near the home may have triggered the catastrophic explosion, causing significant structural damage to the residence.
Local authorities, including Derry Fire Chief Shawn Haggert, expressed sorrow over the tragic event, urging the community to keep the affected family in their thoughts during this challenging time. The gravity of the incident is further underscored by the young girl’s sustained burn injuries, prompting ongoing treatment at a Boston hospital as the community rallies support through a GoFundMe page.
As the investigation unfolds and more details emerge, the community remains on edge, grappling with the aftermath of the explosion and the profound impact it has left on the neighborhood. This evolving story serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the resilience of communities in the face of adversity.