Investigators sift through the debris of a home in Palmyra that was destroyed by fire Tuesday night. Authorities say there may have been an explosion that occurred at the home but have released few details. Photo courtesy of state Department of Public Safety
PALMYRA — Two people suffered burns and one was hospitalized following a fire and apparent explosion that destroyed a home in Palmyra, Maine State Police said Wednesday.
The two were among five people who were in the home Tuesday on Meadow Lane. All five were able to escape the structure and authorities did not indicate the severity of the injuries to the two who suffered burns.
St. Albans fire Chief Jamie Crocker said the emergency call came in around 8 p.m. Tuesday. About half of the home appeared to have collapsed in an explosion, he said, and the rest of the structure was engulfed in flames before it also collapsed.
Authorities have not indicated any preliminary findings of a cause.
Investigators with the Office of State Fire Marshal responded to the scene that night and were back there Wednesday, according to a news release from Shannon Moss, spokeswoman for the state police.
She said the home was the only one on Meadow Lane, which is off Wyman Road in Palmyra.
Crocker said he did not have many details on the incident, as the Hartland Fire Department was in charge during the fire. Palmyra fire Chief Donald Chute deferred questions to the fire marshal’s office.
Hartland fire Chief Charles Gould did not return a call seeking additional details.
While Palmyra has a fire chief, it does not have its own fire department, and instead contracts with Hartland, Newport, Pittsfield and St. Albans for coverage.
Fire crews from Canaan, Corinna and Dexter also responded Tuesday.
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