Overview
- Three firefighters were transported to hospitals, with one seriously injured and two reporting non-life-threatening injuries.
- Roughly 40 people were inside at the time of the blast, and crews are working to reach four individuals who have not yet been accounted for.
- Firefighters briefly became trapped after a smaller explosion before escaping, and all personnel were ordered to withdraw as the structure was deemed unsafe.
- Authorities issued an emergency alert instructing residents near 440 Amherst St. to extinguish open flames, avoid the area, and prepare for possible evacuation, with nearby roads closed and a local school sheltering in place.
- Helicopter footage showed extensive damage including an apparent roof collapse, Eversource cut power to about 10 customers for safety, and cold conditions are slowing ongoing defensive operations.