An explosion Monday inside a Holliston home has sent two people to the hospital
HOLLISTON — Two people suffered serious burns Monday after a furnace explosion at a Westfield Drive home, authorities said.
The two men, who were not identified, were found on the front lawn at 138 Westfield Drive after the 3:49 p.m. explosion, Fire Chief Michael Cassidy said in a press release.
At 3:49 p.m. Monday, the Police Department received several 911 calls reporting the explosion, and both the Police and Fire departments rushed to the house. The Ashland and Medway fire departments assisted at the scene.
"Upon arrival, it was determined that two victims needed immediate medical attention," according to the release.
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The victims, a 61-year-old man and a 59-year-old man, were transported by ambulance to Holliston High School, where a landing zone was set up for two medical rescue helicopters. One victim was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital while the other was taken to Brigham and Women's Hospital.
According to Cassidy, it appears one of the homeowners and an electrician were in the basement when the explosion occurred. A preliminary investigation indicated they were working on "oil burning equipment" that had not been working since thunderstorms struck last Friday evening.
"Lightning storms can cause electrical surges across many neighborhoods," Cassidy said.
Cassidy said if a home has been damaged by an electrical surge, homeowners should contact an electrician to look for damaged wires or other hazards. They should also contact their insurance company to properly assess possible damage.
Due to the suspected power surge, town officials have asked Eversource to check several homes in the area that had reported electrical issues after Friday's storm.
138 Westfield Drive, a Colonial-style home, was built in 1966 and last assessed at $788,800, according to the town assessor's database. It is owned by Loretta and Robert Nelson. According to the database, the home is heated by oil.
The explosion is under investigation by the Holliston Police and Fire departments, as well as Eversource.
Norman Miller can be reached at 508-626-3823 or nmiller@wickedlocal.com. For up-to-date public safety news, follow him on Twitter @Norman_MillerMW or on Facebook at facebook.com/NormanMillerCrime.
This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Two people hospitalized after explosion inside Holliston home
