TEWKSBURY, Mass. – On February 9, 2024, Tewksbury will observe the 52nd anniversary of a tragic event that shook the community to its core. The Tewksbury Gas Explosion of 1972 claimed the lives of three men and left many others injured. The Tewksbury Fire Department, which honored the 50th anniversary of the disaster in 2022, plans to hold public remembrances every five years to ensure the event is never forgotten.
The explosion was caused by a gas delivery vehicle accidentally backing into a pipe at the Chapman Road liquified natural gas facility, which was owned by Lowell Gas at the time. The resulting explosion was described as a fireball, illuminating the sky for approximately 10 to 15 seconds. The blast was so massive that it was even spotted by pilots landing at Logan Airport.
The tragedy claimed the lives of Tewksbury firefighter William John McAllister, delivery truck driver Arthur Sutcliffe of Lowell, and Billerica Fire Captain Donald Schultz, who later passed away from complications related to his injuries. In the following months, more individuals would succumb to their injuries or suffer from the long-term effects of the explosion, including Tewksbury firefighter Captain Frederick Millett.
In the aftermath of the explosion, safety improvements were implemented, including special shut off valves, enhanced firefighting gear, and new construction protocols for protective barriers around intake valves. These measures were developed to prevent similar disasters from occurring in the future.
As the community prepares to honor the 52nd anniversary of the Tewksbury Gas Explosion, we are reminded of the heroic efforts of all who responded to the tragedy. The support of surrounding communities and the resilience of the Tewksbury community in the face of such a devastating event will also be remembered.