Community mourns the loss of beloved Judy Christensen
The town of Berlin, Massachusetts is in shock following a devastating house explosion that killed 79-year-old Judy Christensen and injured her daughter, Jill. The explosion, which occurred early in the morning on Pleasant Street, caused a fire that grew to two alarms and destroyed the family’s two-story home.
Cause of the explosion still under investigation
Officials are still investigating the cause of the explosion, with propane services on the property being considered as a possible cause. Crews from ten surrounding towns responded to the scene, and firefighters worked into daylight hours to extinguish hotspots.
Neighbors describe Christensen as a pillar of the community
Christensen was a well-known figure in the community, having worked at the Berlin General Store for two decades. Neighbors expressed their condolences and described her as a friend and a pillar of the community with an upbeat personality.
Daughter rescued by neighbors
Jill Christensen, who was in her 50s and inside the home at the time of the explosion, was rescued by neighbors who heard the blast and rushed to pull her from the debris. She was taken to UMass Medical Center to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries and is now reportedly in stable condition.
First responders may experience PTSD
First responders who attended the scene have been affected emotionally by the incident, with some potentially experiencing PTSD as a result. The town is offering support services for those who need them.
Surrounding homes damaged due to flying debris
Several other homes on Pleasant Street suffered superficial damage due to flying debris caused by the explosion. An excavator was brought in to work on investigating the main debris pile and determine what caused this tragic incident.
This news article paints a picture of shock and devastation in the wake of the house explosion that claimed the life of a beloved community member and left another injured. Officials are still investigating the cause of the explosion and offering support services for those affected by this tragedy.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
