Fatal Car Explosion, Fire Being Investigated In Concord

CONCORD, NH — The New Hampshire Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a fatal car explosion and fire on Sonoma Lane on Thursday.

Around 9:45 p.m., Concord police dispatch received a complaint call about a neighbor on Sonoma Lane hosting a bonfire with possible explosions. At the same time, capital region fire dispatch received calls about an outside fire near Kyle Road. Fire dispatch said several residents heard explosions in the area of a new home under construction at 22 Sonoma Lane.

Concord police arrived first and told dispatch there was a car engulfed in flames near the home. When fire command approached the scene, they thought there might be possible exposure to the house. The battalion chief later stated to dispatch the house was not on fire but the driver was still in the burning vehicle.

One firefighter asked if extrication was needed and a second firefighter said, “Negative … they are still in the vehicle and I don’t believe they are coming out.” Another firefighter reported the vehicle did not appear to be involved in an accident before the fire started.

At a little after 10 p.m., both Concord’s fire marshal and the state fire marshal’s office sent investigators to the scene.

State Fire Marshal Sean Toomey said the department was still investigating the explosion and fatal fire. He confirmed the driver was a man.

“It’s still actively under investigation,” Toomey said.

Toomey said, however, he did not believe the incident was criminal in nature or suspicious.

In the coming days, a report will be released about the incident, he said.

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