We are deeply saddened to learn of the house explosion during this week’s nor’easter that claimed the life of a Derry, NH, grandmother and sent her young granddaughter to the hospital with serious burns. 

According to the latest reports, the incident was caused by a tree falling on and puncturing the property’s propane tank, which sparked an explosion that blew out one side of the single-family home. The little girl, who was home from school due to the storm, was able to escape and flag down neighbors for help. Firefighters quickly arrived on scene and worked tirelessly through heavy snow and wind to put out the ensuing fire that fully engulfed the house. 

We commend the first responders to their heroic efforts in such adverse weather conditions, and our thoughts remain with the affected family in the wake of this tragedy.

Gas explosions are a silent threat and often happen with little warning. Nationwide, thousands of gas leak incidents have injured nearly 700 people and killed nearly 150 in the past two decades. The cause of these incidents can range from acts of Nature to improper maintenance or servicing of storage tanks and pipelines. 

If you or someone you love has suffered catastrophic injury or wrongful death due to a gas explosion resulting from someone else’s negligence, contact our team for a consultation.

Image credit: AP Photo/Charles Krupa/NHPR