2 Critically Injured in Explosion at NH Manufacturing Firm

Firefighters from across southern New Hampshire responded to a Peterborough manufacturing company Monday afternoon for reports of a fire and explosion with multiple injuries.

A fire was first reported at New Hampshire Ball Bearings around 3:47 p.m., according to emergency radio contacts. The blaze quickly escalated to 4 alarms following reports of a major explosion with heavy smoke and the possibility of multiple injuries. A hazmat team was also called to the scene. There were reportedly environmental concerns due to the proximity of the facility to the Contoocook River Reservoir.

Eleven people were taken to the hospital by ambulance, and two others were treated as walk-ins. Two people were critically injured, and four others suffered serious injuries. No firefighters or rescue personnel were injured.

Gov. Maggie Hassan said in a Tweet around 4:30 p.m. that the State Emergency Operations Center was opening in response to the situation, and state emergency officials were en route to the scene. 

She later released a full statement, sending her thoughts and prayers to those injured in the explosion, their families and the entire community of Peterborough.

"While we are still gathering details about the explosion, we are very encouraged to hear that all employees have been accounted for," she said.

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, but early indications are that it was an industrial-related incident. The investigation is being carried out by the Peterborough Fire Department, the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal's Office, and Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is also at the scene.

At this point it does not appear there was any environmental impact. Workers have been sent home and the building will be closed until it is deemed safe and structurally sound.

New Hampshire Ball Bearings, located at 175 Jaffrey Road in Peterborough, is a leading manufacturer of precision bearings and complex bearing assemblies for the aerospace, defense, medical, dental, and high technology markets, according to its website. Peterborough is located about 30 miles west of Nashua.

U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Kelly Ayotte and U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster all issued statements on the explosion.

"My thoughts and prayers are with everyone at New Hampshire Ball Bearings in Peterborough today," said Shaheen. "I am grateful for the first responders who are working at the scene, and as the situation unfolds, my staff and I remain ready to assist however we can."

"Praying for those at NH Ball Bearings in Peterborough & for first responders on the scene," Ayotte said on Twitter.

"My heart goes out to all those affected by today’s explosion in Peterborough, and my thoughts and prayers are with them and their families as we pray for a swift recovery," Kuster said. "I offer my sincere thanks to the heroic first responders whose quick response and brave actions helped avoid further injury on the scene of this horrific explosion."

Firefighters from 10 towns, including Milford, responded to the scene of the incident.