Explosion Rocks Taunton Home, Injuring Mother and Child

Authorities investigating cause of blast that destroyed multi-family residence

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A house explosion in Taunton, Massachusetts on Wednesday morning has left a mother and her 2-year-old child seriously injured. The blast occurred around 9:50 a.m. at a multi-family home on Plain Street, causing the structure to be completely engulfed in flames. Three families lived in the home, which was a total loss, and eight residents were displaced. The cause and origin of the explosion are under investigation by local and state authorities.

Why it matters

House explosions are rare but can have devastating consequences, especially when they occur in densely populated residential areas. This incident raises questions about home safety, the potential for gas leaks or other hazards, and the ability of first responders to quickly access and contain such emergencies, particularly in the aftermath of a major winter storm.

The details

According to Taunton Fire Chief Steven Lavigne, the explosion occurred around 9:50 a.m. at 78 Plain Street in the city's Weir Village section. A 25-year-old woman and her 2-year-old child were inside the home at the time and were rushed to nearby hospitals with serious injuries. The woman was taken to Rhode Island Hospital, while the child was transported to Hasbro Children's Hospital. The boyfriend of the woman was not home at the time and was later located by Massachusetts State Police.

  • The explosion happened around 9:50 a.m. on Wednesday, February 26, 2026.
  • The city had received close to 30 inches of snow during a blizzard on Monday, making access and response difficult for first responders.

The players

Steven Lavigne

Taunton Fire Chief, who provided details on the incident and response.

Shaunna O'Connell

Mayor of Taunton, who expressed sympathy for those affected and said the city has opened its Senior Center to displaced residents.

Maura Healey

Governor of Massachusetts, who said state police and fire officials are on the scene and that she is keeping the injured and their loved ones in her prayers.

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What they’re saying

“It was just this boom that knocked stuff off my shelves. I thought it was a car accident, looked out my window and saw the house completely engulfed in flames.”

— Bill Benevides, Neighbor (wbal.com)

“We heard an explosion. We, I looked out my front door, and it was just an inferno across the street. It was. It was really hot. You could feel the flames at my house. So, we all just came out and tried to do the best we can to help out our neighbors.”

— William Shivers, Neighbor (wbal.com)

What’s next

The origin and cause of the explosion are under investigation by the Taunton Fire Department, the Taunton Police Department, and the state fire marshal's office. Authorities are asking people to avoid the area while they continue their probe.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the importance of home safety and the need for robust emergency response capabilities, especially in the aftermath of severe weather events that can complicate access and operations. The community will likely rally to support the displaced families and seek answers about what caused this devastating explosion.