A routine paint job in a River Park apartment turned dangerous on Tuesday when an apparent explosion ripped through a single unit and blew out its windows. One worker was hospitalized with burns, Sacramento Fire officials reported.
Firefighters Find Blown-Out Windows, No Flames
Sacramento Fire crews arrived at the complex in the 5400 block of Carlson Drive to find one apartment unit with its windows shattered and glass scattered across the parking area, but no active flames or visible smoke. Two painters had been burned in the blast, and one of them suffered injuries to his hands and face serious enough to require a trip to the hospital. The other was treated at the scene. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
Workers Describe Sudden Blast Inside Unit
According to KCRA, Sacramento Fire Capt. Justin Sylvia said three workers were using spray primer inside the unit when they heard a loud explosion and saw a quick flash of fire that went out almost as soon as it appeared. Two of the men were burned, while a third worker was not reported injured. When firefighters got there, they did not find an ongoing fire, only damage from the brief blast.
Neighbors Feel Shock Wave, Debris Flies
As reported by CBS News Sacramento, calls to 911 started coming in around 2 p.m. from residents who said they heard a loud boom. Crews later found glass thrown some distance from the affected unit, and an adjacent apartment had items knocked off shelves from the force of the explosion. Fire officials called the situation unusual and said early checks did not point to a natural gas leak.
How Spray Work Can Turn Dangerous
Spray primers and other solvent-based finishing products can release flammable vapors that may ignite if they build up in an enclosed area and meet a spark or other ignition source. Federal spray-finishing regulations require proper ventilation, grounded equipment and other safeguards in spray areas to keep vapors from concentrating and flashing, as per Legal Information Institute.
Investigators Look For What Sparked The Blast
Sacramento Fire crews said they are continuing their on-scene investigation to figure out what triggered the explosion. Gas meters at the complex were not spinning and detectors did not show gas inside the unit, KCRA reported. Officials did not immediately release the names of the injured workers or the hospital where the transported worker was taken and said more details will be shared as the investigation moves forward.
This story will be updated as fire officials release additional information. Residents who experience symptoms or health concerns after being exposed to fumes or burns are advised to seek medical care.
