25-year-old, 2-year-old, seriously injured after Taunton explosion displaces 8, damages several homes

TAUNTON — Fire Chief Steven P. Lavigne and Police Chief Edward J. Walsh report that the Taunton Fire and Police Departments responded to an explosion at a Plain Street home on Wednesday morning.

At approximately 9:50 a.m., Taunton Police and Fire Departments responded to a home at 78 Plain St. following reports of an explosion, with reported multiple burn victims.

Taunton Firefighters arrived on the scene to a find a three-family home fully engulfed in flames.

Two injured residents — a mother and child — were transported to area hospitals. The 25-year-old woman was transported to Rhode Island Hospital with severe burns by Raynham Fire Department Ambulance, and the 2-year-old child was transported to Hasbro Children’s Hospital with serious injuries by Brewster Ambulance.

Eversource was on site to shut off utilities at the affected homes. 

Taunton Fire crews battled the flames with a ground attack and brought in several aerial trucks.

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

No firefighters were injured. All Taunton Fire apparatus, and off-duty fire personnel, responded to fight the fire. Raynham Fire Department sent an engine and an ambulance to the scene.

The origin and cause of the explosion are under investigation by the Taunton Fire Department, Taunton Police Department and State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Three families lived in the home at 78 Plain St. The structure is a total loss, and eight residents have been displaced. Two adjacent homes sustained serious burn damage. The City of Taunton has opened a warming center at the Council on Aging / Center at Olney, 30 Olney St., for any residents displaced by the fire or in need of a safe place to shelter.