6 Children Among The Injured In IE House Explosion: Authorities

CHINO HILLS, CA — Three adults and six children were injured when a rental home exploded Sunday in Chino Hills, according to authorities.

The incident, likely caused by a gas leak, occurred around 3:45 p.m. in the 4200 block of Sierra Vista Drive, authorities said. The injured children ranged in age from six to 15 years old, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

“The family had just returned home and one of the children turned on a lamp,” said a GoFundMe started to collect donations for the victims. “The explosion blew out windows and launched the home's garage door across the street into a neighbors yard.”

Some of the injured suffered second- and third-degree burns and two were intubated, according to the GoFundMe, which said the family is living in a hotel and their three dogs are staying with neighbors.

Several surrounding residences were also damaged and 16 homes were evacauted, with residents allowed to return around midnight, according to authorities, who said the gas leak was stopped as of about 10:45 p.m. Sunday.

Sierra Vista Drive between Del Norte and Descanso avenues remained closed Monday to through traffic while utility crews evaluated infrastructure, authorities said.