Two people hurt after explosion and large fire at a Bradford N.H. bus yard

BRADFORD, N.H. — An explosion and fire destroyed a bus yard in Bradford, New Hampshire on Thursday.

The first call came in around 10:30 a.m.

The New Hampshire Fire Marshal’s office says there were several 911 calls reporting a building explosion at Student Transportation of America (formerly Valley Transportation) located at 2345 Route 114 in Bradford.

“Minutes later, an additional caller reported multiple people were inside the building and possibly injured,” according to the statement from the fire marshal. “When the first crews arrived, they witnessed heavy fire and smoke pouring from the building before locating two people trapped inside. Crews worked to free the individuals, who suffered significant burns. The victims were transported to Concord Hospital then flown by medical helicopters to Boston-area hospitals for treatment.”

The two men are in critical condition.

Witnesses told the fire marshal that both victims were performing maintenance on a propane-powered school bus prior to the explosion and fire.

Huge plumes of smoke could be seen coming from the complex. Multiple fire crews responded and worked extensively to knock down the flames.

The fire marshal’s office says there were several challenges including the lack of a nearby water supply and staffing due to the volume of fire.

The building houses school buses for the Kearsarge School District.

“Administration will be meeting with STA Transportation to assess the damage to our buses and how/if it will affect the return of school on Monday, March 7,” said Kearsarge School District in a statement.

Images from the scene show debris scattered throughout the area.

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