Murrieta Gas Explosion: 1 Dead, 15 Hurt In 'Large' Blast

UPDATE: Murrieta Gas Explosion: Residents Remain Blocked From Area Homes

MURRIETA, CA — One utility company worker was killed and 15 other people were hurt in a gas explosion in a Murrieta neighborhood Monday, officials report. What's more, Southern California Gas officials say a person who lives at the home was unaccounted for following the fiery ordeal.

Murrieta Fire & Rescue Deputy Chief David Lantzer said crews initially responded to the home in the 23500 block of Wooden Horse Trail near Spicewood Avenue at 10:57 a.m. due to a ruptured gas line.

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

According to SoCalGas, the rupture had been the work of a contractor.

"Earlier today, SoCalGas crews responded to reports of a natural gas line that was damaged by a contractor working on a home on Wooden Horse Trail in the City of Murrieta," SoCalGas Spokeswoman Christine Detz said in an emailed statement. "Shortly after crews arrived there was an explosion."

Detz said initial reports indicate one SoCalGas employee died in the explosion. Another was rushed to the hospital, but an update on their condition was not immediately available.

"Preliminary information is that one occupant of the home may also be unaccounted for," she said.

Lantzer said a total of 15 people were taken to hospitals for treatment. He said he did not have details on any of their conditions.

Meanwhile, firefighters worked for several hours to douse the fire at the home.

Police said Clinton Keith Road was closed from Smith Ranch to Nutmeg Street as a result of the incident.

"MPD is aware of the large explosion and officers have been dispatched," the agency said on Facebook shortly after it occurred.

Murrieta police say they received multiple calls regarding the incident, starting just after noon.

Murrieta residents reported hearing the loud noise and some even described it as feeling like an earthquake, shaking homes in the area. The explosion was quickly followed by fire at a home, which sent a large plume of smoke into the region. Images from the scene showed roaring flames pouring out of the home, which was all but burned to the ground.

One other home was partially damaged on the side facing the burned-out residence, but it did not catch fire.

Police evacuated homes near the site of the explosion. According to SoCalGas, utility crews stopped the flow of gas to the property about 1 p.m.

"Officers on scene are notifying residents near the fire regarding mandatory evacuations," police said. "No one will be allowed into the area - including residents."

The Riverside Press-Enterprise cited a witness account in reporting that solar panel and landscape workers were working on the home.

SoCalGas Vice President of Construction Cedric Williams said 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.

"We urge all contractors and homeowners to ensure that 811 is called and utility lines are marked prior to excavation of any sort. No matter what you're doing -- if you're digging, call 811, even if the work doesn't involve natural gas or natural gas appliances, as was apparently the case here," Williams said.

— City News Service contributed to this report