Police have released body-worn camera footage showing the aftermath of a “catastrophic” explosion that sent a Taunton woman and her two-year-old daughter to hospital.
Lucitha Blanc, 25, and her 2-year-old daughter Jenelle Germilus were taken to the hospital with serious injuries after an explosion Wednesday morning at a three-family home at 78 Prine Street. On Thursday, the Taunton Fire Department announced a gas leak caused the explosion and subsequent fire.
In a video posted Friday, Taunton police can be seen dealing with the immediate aftermath.
The video begins at 9:48 a.m., when the first police officers arrive on the scene, with the house completely engulfed in flames and several people scattered outside in the snow.
A bystander asked a woman who appeared to be a resident of 78 Prine Street, “How did you escape?”
Police then attempted to locate a nearby fire hydrant. Because the snowdrift was so high, nothing could be seen in the video, so the officer grabbed a shovel.
Because the fire threatened to spread to neighboring homes, police asked bystanders if anyone was inside the house. When a resident says, “I don’t think so,” police go door-to-door to evacuate people.
Firefighters arrived at 9:53 a.m. and located the hydrant. Police and firefighters then began clearing away the snow.
At 9:58 a.m., fire hoses were connected and firefighters appeared to begin extinguishing the blaze. The video then cuts off.
Blank’s boyfriend, who is also Jamilus’ father, told WCVB they are recovering.
The Taunton Fire Department is investigating the explosion. The fire department said the extent of the damage made it difficult to pinpoint the source of the leak or determine how the explosion occurred.
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