BRADFORD, NH - A large commercial building was leveled by a major explosion late Thursday morning, March 3rd, critically injuring two workers with burns.

Concord Fire Alarm started to receive numerous 911 calls reporting a building fire and then updated with workers trapped inside the building at about 10:35 A.M. The building, located at 2345 Route 114, is the Student Transportation of America (formally Valley Transportation).

Workers next door to the fire building in a separate garage stated it sounded like a "bomb went off" when the explosion occurred. The building was consumed by fire and began to collapse almost immediately after the explosion. A second and third alarm were requested immediately, and the first fire crews arrived to find heavy fire and smoke pouring from the building. A fourth and fifth alarm, along with three additional ambulances were simultaneously requested by fire command.

Firefighters had to work to free the two workers trapped underneath the rubble of the building. Medical helicopters were called to the fire scene for the victims, but then diverted to land at the Concord Hospital. Numerous tankers were used to dump water in porta-tanks for water supply as New London's Ladder and Concord's Tower 1 poured water from above along with numerous hose lines.

The NH State Fire Marshal's office was on scene and conducting the investigation. During the early investigation, witnesses indicated that both victims were performing maintenance on a propane-powered school bus prior to the explosion and fire. Fire crews remained on scene most of the day pouring water on the remains and overhauling.