DERRY, NH – A fatal house explosion occurred in Derry, New Hampshire on Thursday afternoon, resulting in one death and leaving a child injured. The Derry Fire Department, led by Shawn Haggart, responded to the scene on Goodhue Road at approximately 11:40 a.m. Upon arrival, they discovered a partially collapsed building engulfed in flames, with one individual missing.
The missing individual, an elderly woman, was later discovered deceased within the residence. New Hampshire State Fire Marshal, Sean Toomey, confirmed the fatality. A child was also injured in the incident and was transported to a Boston hospital for treatment. The child is expected to make a full recovery.
John Giso, the homeowner, reported that his mother-in-law and 11-year-old daughter were home at the time of the explosion. According to Giso, his wife witnessed a tree falling onto the house. His daughter managed to escape the house, suffering minor facial burns.
The State Medical Examiner’s Office is tasked with determining the cause and manner of death. The incident presented significant challenges for the responding firefighters due to the snowfall and strong winds that were present at the time. Battalion Chief Ron Sebastian acknowledged the difficulties posed by the weather conditions.
Haggart expressed his sadness over the tragic incident and commended the responders for their actions. The investigation into the exact cause of the explosion is ongoing. Investigators are considering the possibility that the falling tree may have triggered the explosion by impacting the home’s propane tanks, as stated by Toomey. Officials have confirmed that there is no ongoing danger to other homes in the area.