“This allowed gas to pour into the basement where it was ignited by any one of a number of possible ignition sources: the pilot on the hot water heater, the furnace, or an electrical switch”, they said in a statement.
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Several unnamed bystanders called the Taunton Fire Department at about 3:53 p.m. One woman reported she “felt the ground shake” while another saw smoke billowing from the rooftop, according to recordings of the 911 calls obtained by ABC News. At the time, neighbors told dispatchers they didn’t know whether the woman was still inside.
In fact, the woman had come running out of the house frantically and came running down the street screaming for help, said Saltalamacchia. “She was really confused and insane just from the whole excitement of it all”.
Saltalamacchia said Beliveau is divorced with two adult children. When he ran outside he could see flames shooting out of the window of the home. Tuesday morning, the remaining structure of the home was torn down.
DiNunno said Columbia Gas workers, as well as representatives of the state fire marshal’s, state police and the state Department of Public Utilities, were on scene with Taunton fire and police personnel. “But the woman nonetheless is safe and alive tonight”.
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“Contact professionals for maintenance and repairs on major home appliances and systems”, he added.
