HOLDEN, Mass. – A man is currently undergoing treatment for serious injuries after an acetylene tank he had in his vehicle exploded on Saturday morning. Emergency responders were called to the scene at 216 Brattle St. in Holden following reports of a motor vehicle incident. The car involved suffered severe damage, and the man was rescued from underneath the vehicle by neighbors.
The injured man was subsequently taken to a nearby hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, as reported by a spokesperson from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services. Fortunately, the explosion did not result in significant fire damage to the surrounding area. Investigators have determined that the man had stored the acetylene tank in the trunk of his vehicle, where a leak occurred while the vehicle was parked overnight.
Authorities believe the explosion was accidental, and a thorough investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of ignition. Holden firefighters, Holden police, and Massachusetts State Police detectives from the State Fire Marshal’s Office are working collaboratively to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident. Acetylene, a compressed gas commonly used in metal welding and cutting, was the substance involved in the explosion, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
The incident serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of proper handling and storage of hazardous materials. It highlights the potential dangers associated with improper storage of compressed gases and emphasizes the need for adherence to safety protocols to prevent such accidents in the future. The swift response from emergency personnel and neighbors underscore the importance of community vigilance and support during times of crisis.
As the investigation continues, authorities are stressing the significance of following safety guidelines when dealing with potentially hazardous materials. The cooperation between different agencies involved in the investigation demonstrates a unified effort to ensure the safety and well-being of the community. This unfortunate event serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with certain materials and the critical importance of exercising caution and diligence in handling them.