Greater Nashua
Amherst Street building ravaged by natural gas explosion
NASHUA - Three firefighters were injured while responding to a four-alarm fire at 440 Amherst St. on the afternoon of Feb. 2. Although the incident remains under investigation, falling ice may have ruptured a natural gas line. According to the state Fire Marshal’s Office, the incident was called in at 2:15 p.m. At that time, the reporting caller said there was an “odor of gas and a hissing sound.” Approximately 40 people were in the building. A cell phone alert was also sent out to area residents asking them to turn off burners and put out open flames. An explosion was reported at 3 p.m. causing the building, which houses Greater Nashua Mental Health, to become almost completely involved. Firefighters were ordered to evacuate and fight the fire from the outside. Amherst Street was closed between Somerset Parkway at Thornton Road. The blaze was brought under control ...
