An explosion rocked a Long Beach neighborhood Monday morning, leveling a back house and causing damage to surrounding structures. The blast, which occurred in the 2800 block of Gale Avenue, was reported to have taken place just after 11 a.m., as per information from KTLA and NBC Los Angeles.
The explosion, believed to be related to a gas leak, "completely destroyed" the back house on the property and resulted in damage to the main house and a neighbor's garden wall, KTLA reports. Long Beach Fire Department officials told NBC Los Angeles that a man in his late 30s was rescued from the rubble before being transported to a trauma center with burn injuries. The precise condition of the individual is not known.
Following the incident, firefighters were on the scene to put out a small fire and inspect the aftermath. Reported by CBS Los Angeles, the destroyed back house, categorized as an accessory dwelling unit or ADU, sparked a thorough examination to investigate the cause of the explosion. Information relating to the exact trigger behind the blast remains unclear.
As recovery efforts continue, it is emphasized that the front building on the property incurred minor damage according to ABC7. Reporting from the site, KTLA has yet to confirm any additional injuries apart from the one person initially reported as injured. The local community, meanwhile, is left to contend with the shock of the day's violent disruption and its aftermath.
