Watch CBS News

No One Hurt In Taunton House Explosion

TAUNTON (CBS) -- It was an inferno in Taunton, as a house was destroyed and totally engulfed in flames after a huge explosion Sunday afternoon.

taunton4
Firefighters worked to put out a Taunton house fire on Sunday. (Image credit Jim Tynan)

Neighbor Paul Saltalamacchia said he felt his house shake, and saw a woman living inside the house scramble to safety.

"I came running out," he said, "And saw the owner who had just run out of the house frantic, and then come running down the street screaming for help.

"I recognized her. We called 911 and assisted her. The house went up in flames really in a matter of three minutes, and within 40 minutes the roof caved in. It was really amazing."

taunton3
Firefighters work on a Taunton house fire on Sunday. (WBZ-TV)

Much of the home on Christine Lane was totally incinerated, yet nobody was hurt. The neighbors say the woman inside had been on the upper floor, but somehow managed to get out just in time.

Neighbor Steve Roberts says the woman was already sitting on a nearby lawn he spotted her.

Fire officials say the blast is being investigated as a possible gas explosion. Gas crews were digging into the ground to check lines and also checking the street late Sunday night.

No additional details were immediately available.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.