House Explosion Injures At Least 8 In Inland Empire

CHINO HILLS, CA — At least eight people were injured when a home exploded Sunday afternoon in Chino Hills, according to authorities.

Firefighters responded around 3:45 p.m. to the 4200 block of Sierra Vista Drive, according to the Chino Valley Fire District. Images posted by the district on social media show much of the home reduced to rubble. Nearby homes also had minor damage, according to the district.

At least eight people were either taken or transported themselves to receive medical attention, although none of the injuries appeared to be life-threatening, authorities said.

Sixteen homes were evacuated, according to the fire district, with the evacuations falling in the area of Sierra Vista Drive and Del Norte Avenue, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Public Information Officer Jenny Smith wrote in an email.

“We are waiting to ensure that the area is safe before allowing homeowners back to the area,” Smith wrote around 7:15 p.m. Sunday.

Smith cited a possible gas leak as the cause of the blast and wrote that Southern California Edison was on the scene.