Taunton Home Explosion: Mother and Toddler Injured in Gas Leak
A devastating explosion ripped through a three-family home at 78 Plain Street in Taunton, Massachusetts, on Wednesday morning, sending a mother and her two-year-old daughter to the hospital with serious injuries. The Taunton Fire Department has determined a gas leak was the cause of the explosion and subsequent fire.
Details of the Incident
At approximately 9:50 a.m. On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Taunton Police and Fire Departments responded to reports of an explosion at the residence. Upon arrival, firefighters found the three-family home fully engulfed in flames.
The injured residents were identified as 25-year-old Lucitha Blanc and her two-year-old daughter, Jenelle Germilus. Blanc was transported to Rhode Island Hospital with severe burns by Raynham Fire Department Ambulance, while Germilus was taken to Hasbro Children’s Hospital with serious injuries by Brewster Ambulance.
Heroic Actions and Emergency Response
According to Taunton Fire Chief Steven Lavigne, Blanc bravely re-entered the burning home to rescue her daughter. “The female got out, she realized the child was inside the house. She went back in for her child and that’s when she suffered her injuries. I believe she came out on her own,” Lavigne stated.
First responders faced challenging conditions, including deep snowbanks that obscured fire hydrants. Taunton Police officers were seen using shovels to clear access to the hydrants. Firefighters battled the blaze with a ground attack and aerial trucks, with assistance from the Raynham Fire Department.
Investigation and Aftermath
The origin and cause of the gas leak are currently under investigation by the Taunton Fire Department, Taunton Police Department and State Fire Marshal’s Office. The structure at 78 Plain Street is a total loss, displacing eight residents. Two adjacent homes as well sustained serious burn damage.
The City of Taunton has opened a warming center at the Council on Aging / Center at Olney, located at 30 Olney St., to provide shelter for displaced residents and those in need. A GoFundMe fundraiser has been created to support the family of Blanc and Germilus.
As of Thursday, February 26, 2026, Blanc’s boyfriend, and Germilus’ father, reported that they are recovering from their injuries.
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