Update to the Explosion and Fire Investigation at the Student Transportation of America Facility in Bradford

Bradford, New Hampshire – New Hampshire State Fire Marshal Sean P. Toomey, Bradford Fire Chief Bryan Nowell and Bradford Police Chief Edward Shaughnessy announce an update to the explosion and fire investigation at the Student Transportation of America facility, located at 2345 Route 114 in Bradford that occurred on March 3, 2022.

After a thorough investigation, it was determined that a propane vapor cloud was released from one of the propane powered school busses that was being worked on at the time of the explosion. The propane vapors were ignited by an undetermined ignition source, which caused the explosion and fire. There were several mechanical and electrical ignition sources discovered inside the facility that could have caused the explosion but the exact one could not be identified. At this time, there is no indication that this was criminal in nature and the cause appears to be accidental.

The two employees working at the facility the day of the explosion, and who sustained serious bodily injury, have since been released from the hospital and are recovering at home.

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.