Massachusetts man pulled by neighbors, seriously injured, after vehicle explodes

HOLDEN — One person was seriously injured after an acetylene explosion in his car this morning, said Holden Fire Chief Russell Hall, Holden Police Chief Timothy J. Sherblom, and State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine.

The Holden Fire Department and  Holden Police Department responded to the area of 216 Brattle St. following 9-1-1 calls for an incident involving a motor vehicle. On arrival, they observed a car that had sustained catastrophic damage and an adult male whom neighbors had pulled from beneath it. That man was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.

The blast did not cause any significant fire damage. Its origin is being investigated by the Holden Fire Department, Holden Police, and State Police assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office. Based on interviews and evidence at the scene, they have collectively determined that the man stored an acetylene tank overnight in the trunk of his vehicle, where it appears to have leaked. While the exact ignition source remains unknown, investigators believe it was accidental.