Nantucket Rattled by House Explosion That Injured Two

A house exploded on Nantucket, Mass., Thursday, sending two people to the hospital, damaging nearby homes and creating a boom heard miles away.

The Nantucket Fire Department reports it is the second time in as many weeks that similar blazes have destroyed a local home. Fire officials say they have no reason yet to believe there is a connection or related cause.

WBZ-TV reported that the explosion was heard as much as three miles away. The blast shook nearby homes and caused debris to rain down in the neighborhood.

Authorities say one man who was believed to be in the home at the time of the explosion was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. A neighbor was also injured.

In last week’s fire, neighbors reported a large boom before fire consumed the home. Four people were inside at the time and two suffered serious burns.

Thursday’s fire will be investigated by the state Fire Marshal and the Massachusetts State Police.