'Accumulating Gas' Caused Explosion at Mansfield Inn: Report

MANSFIELD, CT — Public safety authorities on Monday were still investigating a Saturday explosion at an historic Mansfield inn, but they do know the cause was gas that accumulated in the kitchen of the restaurant area, according to a preliminary report.

It then found an ignition source, according to the report.

The cause of the explosion remains under further investigation by the Mansfield Fire Marshal’s Office, with assistance from the Connecticut State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit, authorities said.

A total of five people were treated for burn injuries and transported to hospitals — one to Rhode Island hospital via Life Star helicopter, one to Hartford Hospital, and three to Windham Hospital, the report indicates.

The damage was limited to the kitchen and basement area of the structure, according to the report.

The explosion took place at Spring Hill Inn at 957 Storrs Road, the local address for state Route 195, at 4:45 p.m. Saturday, according to the report.

The scene was under control about 90 minutes later, police said.

Inn management put the following post on Facebook Saturday night:

"We send our sincere gratitude to the Mansfield Fire Dept, all first-responders and all who lent a hand to comfort and care for those injured and traumatized by tonight's emergency. We send love and heartfelt wishes for healing to all."

The structure, the former Altnaveigh Inn, was built in 1734 as a farmhouse.

Mutual aid assistance was received from the UConn, Willimantic, and Ashford Fire Departments
as well as the Windham Hospital paramedics and ambulances from Tolland, Ashford, Willington and Ambulance Service of Manchester,

Patch File Photo