This story has been updated on Thursday, February 26 to reflect the latest developments
William “Bill” Shea, Veteran Firefighter, from Keene, Returns Home After Being Injured in Gas Explosion at Greater Nashua Mental Health
NASHUA, NEW HAMPSHIRE (February 2, 2026) – A veteran firefighter from Keene identified as William Shea is returning home after being injured in a major gas explosion accident at Greater Nashua Mental Health.
Hillsborough County officials are saying that the accident took place on Monday afternoon. People reported smelling gas and hearing a hissing sound before 60 people were evacuated from the building.
Lt. William “Bill” Shea, who is a 20-year veteran of the Nashua Fire Department, was one of the people who responded to the scene. Prior to that service, he worked for Keene’s fire department for six years.
After the building was mostly emptied of patients, the explosion and subsequent fire occurred. Three firefighters were injured in the blast, including William Shea.
The blast reportedly occurred shortly after firefighters arrived. Witnesses described the blast as totally catastrophic. The Greater Nashua Mental Health building was completely destroyed in the subsequent fire.
Additional paramedics were called to the scene to help all those injured. All of the victims were hospitalized. Those victims have since been released from the hospital.
Photos from the hospital showed police and first responders giving William Shea a standing ovation as he was transported in a wheelchair out of the hospital. Firefighters are still investigating what may have contributed to the blast.
According to one post from David Morin on Facebook, “Some significant and great news for Nashua Fire Rescue Lieutenant William Shea the second firefighter hospitalized with serious injuries after the 440 Amherst Street explosion and fire was released from the Southern New Hampshire Medical Center this afternoon after two weeks of treatment. Lieutenant Shea has a road ahead of him for complete recovery but is on the mend.”
Investigators have speculated that falling ice may have damaged a major gas line prior to the blast. It is possible that someone was working to clear that ice before the incident took place.
William Shea has since returned to his home after spending two weeks in the hospital. A full investigation into the blast remains ongoing.
However, a preliminary report of the cause of the blast is scheduled to be released in the following week, according to reporting by WMUR9. The National Transportation Safety Board’s report should include a suspected cause of the blast.
Liability for Nashua Gas Explosions
Property owners in New Hampshire have a legal obligation to maintain their premises in a safe condition. This necessitates that they comply with all building and fire codes. When a property owner has actual or constructive notice of a dangerous condition on the premises, they must take action. There are a number of different ways a property owner may have contributed to a gas explosion.
- Inspections: A property owner may not periodically inspect all of their gas lines. These lines may corrode over time.
- Complaints: A property owner may fail to take timely action after receiving notice that some people are smelling gas.
- Improper Repairs: A property owner may have used unlicensed contractors to conduct repairs on key systems.
When a property owner fails to use reasonable care to prevent gas explosions, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. Depending on the specific facts of any case, there could be several liable parties for a gas explosion. This includes any company that was contracted to perform repair work on a gas line. It also includes the utility company responsible for the gas line itself.
Steps to Take After Nashua Gas Explosions
Natural gas leaks remain a major cause of preventable explosions and fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, “The number of structure fires involving a flammable gas as the material of the item first ignited has increased over the past decade. The raw number of incidents as well as the percentage of these fires have increased compared to all structure fires.” Certain steps should be taken after any gas explosion.
- Victims should seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
- Victims should continue to receive all of the follow-up they need.
- Victims should collect any accident reports related to the incident.
- Victims should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Gas explosions can be complex events. The factors that contribute to any explosion could take place hours, days, or weeks ahead of time. It is important that the victims of these accidents understand that they do have legal rights. They are able to seek some measure of accountability through a personal injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.
Investigating Nashua Gas Explosions
We at DiBella Law extend our best wishes to William Shea and all other victims injured in the gas explosion at Greater Nashua Mental Health. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other incidents like this.
Have you or someone you care about been injured in a Nashua gas explosion? You may be entitled to financial compensation. Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys is here for you. We care deeply that accident victims get the medical and financial assistance that they need to move forward with their lives. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at (617) 870-0907.