Murrieta Gas Explosion: Technician ID'd, Some Homes Red-Tagged

MURRIETA, CA — The day after a large explosion rocked a Murrieta neighborhood, killing a utility worker, injuring more than a dozen and reducing a local home to rubble, several residents are still blocked from entering their houses. Meanwhile, the Southern California Gas community is mourning the loss of one of their own.

SoCalGas officials identified Wade Kilpatrick, 31, as the man killed in Monday's gas explosion.

Kilpatrick was a Lead Construction Technician and had been with the company for 11 years, according to SoCalGas Spokeswoman Christine Detz.

"He started in 2008 as a meter reader," she said. "He leaves behind his mother, 6 brothers and a sister. One of his brothers is also an employee at the company.”

As for the other people injured in the fire, three firefighters are now home and recovering, according to the fire department. Another 12 people were hurt in the incident, but updates on their conditions were not available.

An evacuation order remains in place for properties between 23548 and 23582 Wooden Horse Trail, according to Murrieta Fire & Rescue.

Twenty residents were referred to a care reception center at Vista Murrieta High School on Clinton Keith Road on Monday, authorities said. It was unknown how many stayed overnight.

Murrieta Fire & Rescue says that those who live in the following areas are now cleared to return home:

• 23582 Wooden Horse & east
• All residences on Candy Apple
• 39850 Spinning Wheel & residences to the south
• 39823 Spinning Wheel & residences to the south
• 23548 Wooden Horse & residences to the west

The Press Enterprise reported that a total of four homes were red-tagged following the incident, which means the residents are barred from even entering their homes. A fifth was yellow-tagged.

Clinton Keith Road, which had been closed for most of the day on Monday, is now back open to traffic.

Murrieta Fire & Rescue Deputy Chief David Lantzer said crews initially responded to the home where the explosion occurred in the 23500 block of Wooden Horse Trail near Spicewood Avenue at 10:57 a.m. Monday due to a ruptured gas line. It had been struck by a construction crew at the house. Reports indicate the company was working on a solar install at the home.

Southern California Gas Co. crews arrived at 11:23 a.m. to begin repair work on the line, but at 12:10 p.m., an explosion occurred, Lantzer said.

The explosion was so loud and powerful, that it shook homes in the neighborhood and many reported that it felt like an earthquake. The subsequent fire sent flames pouring out of the house as it burned to the ground.

SoCalGas officials confirmed the death of their employee shortly thereafter, and that the crew had not called to check for gas lines before they started their work.

"Our preliminary information indicates that the contractor did not call 811 to have gas lines marked prior to digging on the property as required by law," Detz said. "We urge all contractors and homeowners to ensure that 811 is called and utility lines are marked prior to excavation of any sort."

— City News Service contributed to this report