Nationwide — Lucitha Blanc, an African American mom from Taunton, Massachusetts, and her 2-year-old daughter, Jenelle Germilus, were making pancakes when their home suddenly exploded. Both were seriously injured, and the three-family building was completely destroyed.
The gas explosion suddenly hit their second-floor apartment on Wednesday, February 25, setting the three-family building ablaze. Blanc’s boyfriend, Shnider Germilus, said he was on the phone with them when the blast happened.
“I heard a big boom and my daughter screaming and my girl screaming. I didn’t know what had happened at the moment,” he said, according to People.
Blanc got out at first but ran back inside when she realized Jenelle was still trapped. Fire Chief Steven P. Lavigne confirmed both were rescued but suffered serious injuries. Blanc was taken to Rhode Island Hospital, while Jenelle was treated at Hasbro Children’s Hospital.
Rescue efforts were slowed by nearly 30 inches of snow from a recent blizzard. Neighbors helped dig out fire hydrants and assist firefighters. William Shivers, a local resident, recalled, “It was really hot. You could feel the flames at my house.”
Officials are still investigating the cause of the explosion, including the exact location of the gas leak and what ignited it. Two neighboring homes also suffered serious fire damage, and all eight residents from the three-family building are now displaced.
A GoFundMe page was set up to help the family, whose belongings were largely destroyed, cover medical bills and find a new home. It has raised over $80,000 so far.
Shnider said Lucitha and Jenelle are on the road to recovery and expressed relief at being reunited with his daughter once she heals.