SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Authorities in Sacramento, California, are investigating an explosion that occurred at a Sikh temple classroom and involved at least six propane tanks. The incident took place at the Gurdwara Sahib in the suburb of West Sacramento. Firefighters responded to the scene and extinguished the resulting fire, which caused damage to the building.
The explosion happened at around 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, according to the local fire department. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the explosion. It is unclear what caused the propane tanks to explode, but authorities are looking into the incident with the help of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
The incident is particularly concerning considering the recent rise in hate crimes targeting the Sikh community. Just last month, a man opened fire at a FedEx facility in Indianapolis with a large Sikh population, killing eight people, including four members of the Sikh community. The motive for the shooting is still under investigation, but it has raised concerns about the safety and security of Sikh temples and community centers.
The Sikh Coalition, a civil rights organization, has called for a thorough investigation into the explosion to determine whether it was a deliberate act of violence. The organization also emphasized the importance of protecting and preserving places of worship for all religious communities. The Sikh community has faced discrimination and violence in the United States, and incidents like the explosion at the Gurdwara Sahib only add to their concerns.