:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/NJ5UGYFT4NFDFOQKNPDEPPCIUU.jpg?w=1440&resize=1440,810&ssl=1 "Neighbors rush to save man after his car explodes in Holden – Boston 25 News")
HOLDEN, Mass. — A frightening scene in Holden on Saturday. The state fire marshal’s office said a man was “seriously injured” after his car exploded due to an apparent leak from an acetylene tank in his trunk.
Neighbors had to rush to extract the man from under the car after the explosion, according to investigators.
He was rushed to a local hospital with serious injuries. This happened in the area of 216 Brattle Street in Holden.
“It was just a major boom and the house shook,” said Cindy Benoit, a Brattle Street neighbor. “The driver’s side left tire, the rear one, was completely above his lower leg. He was lying on his back with his hand outstretched, and he was simply saying, “Get the car off me!” »
Benoit added: “He kept telling us, ‘Look for his wallet and his phone.’ Very calm.”
“My father saw the windshield fly into our yard. The windshield wiper ended up near our porch,” said Benoit’s daughter, Paige.
First responders were called to the scene following 9-1-1 calls.
“Upon arrival, they observed a car that had sustained catastrophic damage and an adult male that neighbors had removed from underneath it.” According to a release from the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
“Based on interviews and evidence collected at the scene, they collectively determined that the man had stored a tank of acetylene overnight in the trunk of his vehicle, where he appeared to have fled,” according to a statement from the Office of the State Fire Marshal. “Although the exact source of the ignition remains unknown, investigators believe it was an accident.”
The explosion did not cause significant damage, according to investigators.
A neighbor’s surveillance camera captured audio of the explosion. You can hear the sound of a bang in the video below.
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Acetylene is a compressed gas often used with compressed oxygen to power torches.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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