One person injured in acetylene tank explosion in Waterford
Waterford — Police reported that the contractor who was mowing grass at a Miner Lane landfill suffered non-life-threatening injuries after an acetylene gas tank exploded at approximately 2:40 p.m.
Lt. Brett Mahoney said the contractor’s lawnmower punctured the tank, causing the explosion near Route 1. He said the contractor was conscious and alert when emergency personnel arrived.
Waterford Fire Engine Company 1 Chief Tim Condon said the incident spurred a townwide response from emergency services personnel. He said the explosion caused a small fire that was extinguished before firefighters arrived.
People as far away as Groton heard the explosion, according to Condon.
The Waterford Fire Department and Waterford police are investigating the incident as an industrial accident, according to the police Facebook page.
Mahoney said the scene was cleared by about 3:50 p.m. The landfill, which is no longer in use, is not publicly accessible. Mahoney said no further danger is posed by the gas tank.
The contractor was taken to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital for treatment, police said.
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