CHINO HILLS, Calif. — A catastrophic explosion at a rental residence left three adults and six children injured on Sunday afternoon, authorities reported. The incident, believed to have resulted from a gas leak, took place around 3:45 p.m. on Sierra Vista Drive, sparking both immediate chaos and a significant investigation.
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, the injured children were aged between six and 15 years old. Witnesses shared that moments before the blast, the family had returned to their home, and one of the children activated a lamp, potentially triggering the explosion. Eyewitness accounts described alarming scenes, as windows were shattered and the garage door was forcibly ejected across the street into a neighbor’s yard.
In the aftermath, reports indicated that several victims sustained severe injuries, including second- and third-degree burns. Two individuals required intubation due to the extent of their injuries. Following the explosion, the family was displaced and is currently residing in a hotel, while their three dogs are being cared for by neighbors.
The force of the explosion not only affected the rental home but also caused damage to nearby residences. A total of 16 homes were evacuated as a precautionary measure, although residents were permitted to return by midnight after the gas leak was contained around 10:45 p.m.
Authorities have since closed Sierra Vista Drive to through traffic between Del Norte and Descanso avenues, allowing utility crews to assess the infrastructure for further safety precautions. Such measures underscore the gravity of the situation as officials work to ensure that no further risks remain to the neighborhood.
Community members have rallied to support the affected family, with fundraising efforts underway to assist them during this challenging time. As the investigation into the cause of the gas leak continues, the local community is left to grapple with the shock of such an unfortunate event.