Update in Fatal Derry Explosion and Fire

DERRY, N.H. – New Hampshire State Fire Marshal Sean P. Toomey, Derry Fire Chief Shawn Haggart and Derry Police Chief George Feole announce that the deceased victim of the explosion and fire at 141 Goodhue Rd. in Derry on April 4, 2024, has been identified. A second victim remains hospitalized.

The New Hampshire Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the deceased victim as 76-year-old Laura Percival of Derry. The cause of her death was due to complications of multiple blast injuries and the manner of her death was accidental. The surviving victim, a child, was transported and is still being treated at a Boston area hospital.      

The investigation into the origin and cause of the explosion and fire is active and ongoing by members of the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Derry fire and police departments. The preliminary investigation indicates that a tree fell as a result of the nor’ easter snowstorm and struck two propane tanks on the backside of the house, causing a propane leak and subsequent explosion.  

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the NH State Fire Marshal’s Office at (603) 223-4289 or by email at fmo@dos.nh.gov.   

No further information will be released at this time.