NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — A city man was seriously injured in what was described as an "explosion" in his State Road apartment. 

 

The cause is unknown at this time and the incident is under investigation by North Adams Police and Fire and the State Fire Marshal's Office. 

 

Fire Chief Brent Lefebvre said the individual was pulled out through the back window of a bedroom in his first-floor apartment with "significant burns to the lower extremities."

 

"He's been taken to the appropriate facility but at this time, we don't have any further information," the chief said. 

 

The victim was reportedly taken to another hospital by medical helicopter from Berkshire Medical Center's North Adams campus. 

 

The incident was reported as a structure fire at about 2:26 p.m. Lefebvre said there was a small amount of fire that was quickly snuffed when firefighters arrived. 

 

The building at 1054 State Road has five apartments and is owned by David Chenail Sr. and Elaine M Chenail Trustees, according to city records. 

 

The fire took place in the back of the apartment on the eastern side of the structure and was tightly contained to that area. 

 

Lefebvre said there was no structural damage but there is heat and smoke damage that would prohibit the other tenants from staying in the building at least tonight. 

 

"But it's definitely cleanable ... very, very little damage to the structure," he said. 

 

State Road was closed from the line with Williamstown to Ashton Avenue for more than an hour because of fire hoses across the road. In addition to fire and police, Northern Berkshire EMS responded with three units.