Police Say Man Believed to Ignite Methuen Flash Fire Found in Haverhill

Photograph issued by Methuen officials.

A man who police believe ignited a flash fire inside a converted school bus Tuesday afternoon in Methuen was found in Haverhill and taken to the hospital for burn treatment.

While the vehicle did not catch fire, Methuen Police Chief Joseph E. Solomon said he called for a regional Hazardous Materials team and a state Bomb Squad “out of an abundance of caution.”

First responders arrived shortly after 4 p.m., outside 3 Hitchingpost Lane, for a report of an explosion. Upon arrival, the chief said, police learned the man in the parked vehicle fled the area shortly after a large fireball erupted. Police issued a photograph of the man in hopes of finding him. He was found about 5:30 and taken by ambulance to the hospital. While a name accompanied the photograph, it was not officially released.

The severity of his injuries were yet not known when Solomon issued a statement.

Stay with 97.9 WHAV FM for further developments.