A woman is dead, and her family member is hospitalized, after a fire official said a tree "may have" collapsed on a propane tank, instigating a massive fire and home explosion during Thursday's powerful nor'easter in New Hampshire.
Derry Fire Chief Shawn Haggart said in a press conference on Thursday afternoon that his department received reports of a home explosion in Derry.
Law enforcement arrived at the residence to find the home fully engulfed in flames at 11:40 a.m. Thursday.
Authorities said that an older woman was killed during the incident. Her cause of death and identity was not immediately available.
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A juvenile related to the woman was rescued from the fire and transported to a Massachusetts medical facility for burn treatment.
During the press conference, the fire chief thanked his partners for battling the blaze amid "extreme weather conditions."
Winter storm warnings were in effect throughout New Hampshire and other New England states, as an early spring nor'easter brought heavy rain, sleet, snow and wind to the region.
New Hampshire State Fire Marshal Sean P. Toomey said that authorities are "still determining the cause of the explosion."
Toomey said that a tree falling onto the home's propane gas tank "may have" caused the explosion and subsequent blaze.
Toomey said that the home's debris launched into the roadway following the explosion.
"The home suffered substantial damage. The walls are blown out," Toomey said. "We’re still examining the full extent. The door was out in the roadway."
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There is no danger to other homes in the area.
"There is propane at that house, we've identified that as the only gas that's there," Toomey said.
The cause of the blast is under investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the state Fire Marshal’s Office at 603- 223-4289.
