Three People Burned, 2 Seriously, In Freak Gas Accident In Weare

WEARE, NH - On July 28, at 1:52 pm Weare Fire Rescue were dispatched to East Shore Drive for a report of a woman with burns, and a kitchen fire.

While en route to the call, it was reported there was also a fire caused by a truck running over a gasoline can. Responders arrived three minutes after dispatch and found had three people suffering from burns — and requested additional ambulances and a full mutual aid fire response from area towns.

Victims were treated at the scene with what Weare Fire Chief Robert Vezina described as extensive injuries. One victim had burns over a large percentage of their body according to Vezina.

Two victims were transported to Concord Hospital, and according to Chief Vezina one person will most likely require transport to Boston. One victim refused to be transported to the hospital.

Chief Vezina called the incident an unusual accident that caused the burns. Chief Vezina said a person in a pickup truck ran over a gasoline can located near the house. When the can was crushed, the contents spilled and the fumes entered an open window in the kitchen. The fumes ignited most likely from the pilot light on the stove.

A woman who was burned ran into a lake while two others worked to extinguish the fire. When fire crews arrived, there was no active fire, and they turned their attention to treating victims.

Chief Vezina credited the victims quick actions of the victims in limiting the burn injuries.

Vezina said the New Hampshire Fire Marshal's Office was notified of the incident but at this time the investigation will be handled by the Weare Fire Department.

Goffstown, Henniker, Bow, and New Boston provided mutual aid to the incident

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news