NASHUA, NH — All the staff members who were in a building at a New Hampshire mental health facility moments before a gas explosion Monday afternoon have been found and accounted for, according to fire officials.
After initially stating that four people were unaccounted for after an explosion and a large fire, Nashua Fire Chief Steve Buxton shared shortly before 6:00 p.m. that every staff member who works in that building on the Greater Nashua Mental Health Center campus was able to safely evacuate.
Buxton also shared that one of the three firefighters injured in the explosion was also already out of the hospital. The other two firefighters remained in the hospital but their injuries are considered non-life-threatening.
Firefighters first responded to the Greater Nashua Mental Health Center on Ahmherst Street around 2:15 p.m. after someone reported the smell of gas.
When firefighters were on scene, there was a gas explosion that set the building on fire.
Fire officials also say the building typically has around 40 people working in it around the time of the explosion, but all were able to escape the building before the explosion.
Video from the scene showed firefighters dousing one of the wooden buildings with water as the top floor burned. Part of the roof can even be seen crumbling away.
The building is considered a total loss.
Merrimack Fire and Rescue says the building is near the old Building 19 property.
Police also asked residents and drivers to avoid the area around Amherst Street.
Active incident involving gas leak in the area of 440 Amherst Street. Avoid the area and seek an alternate route.
— Nashua Police (@NashuaPolice) February 2, 2026
The gas company for the property, Liberty of New Hampshire, said crews are on-site and assessing the fire.
“Until further information is known, avoid the area and please follow all safety precautions as directed by the Nashua fire department and other public officials,” Liberty wrote on Facebook.
The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s office is also assisting with the response.
Investigators with @NH_FMO are responding to a reported explosion that resulted in a building fire in Nashua. Please avoid the area. Updates to follow. #NHSFMO pic.twitter.com/TuxLq2itNg
— NH State Fire Marshal's Office (NHSFMO) (@nhfmo) February 2, 2026
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
©2026 Cox Media Group
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/7QOJU3BNCJERBNKJC5LWTBYFLU.png)
