Gas explosion levels neighborhood, killing 9

By Susan Nichols, Boston Observer
August 24, 2007

DATCHET- A suspected gas leak is believed to have destroyed 5 houses around 3:00am this morning, killing 9 residents of the Oak Circle neighborhood.

Remarkably, 4 juveniles were found with minor injuries. All were brought to Boston General for observation. No word on their conditions has been released at this time.

The powerful blast sent debris over 500 yards away littering the surrounding forest and roadway with wood, concrete and siding. All 5 homes on the cul-de-sac were reduced to rubble.

Datchet Fire Marshall, Bill Sullivan, said that they have not determined the cause of the explosion. According to Bay State Energy, there currently hadn’t been any work to the gas lines in the area nor any reports of gas leaks.

Maria and Rebecca Amaral, relatives to one of the residents of Oak Circle, arrived briefly to the scene to speak with the officially before rushing off to Boston General. Both declined to be interviewed.

Barbara Fletcher, of 37 Hunter Lane, heard the blast from two miles away.

“I was woken up by a loud boom,” she said. “The house shook and pictures fell off the wall. I thought a car had run into the house. I ran into my son’s room to make sure he was okay.”

Firefighters spent several hours addressing hot spots and searching structures for casualties. Investigators have cordoned off the street until the can determine if the area is safe.

Adam Granger, a spokesman from Bay State Energy, said that the utility company will be working with the local authorities as well as conducting their own investigation.

Oak Circle was developed in the late 1940’s by the Hayward family. It is considered one of the first cul-de-sac neighborhoods in New England.