Valley Glen Explosion That Sent 2 To Hospital Not Caused By Gas Leak; Notes of marijuana growing found in garage: LAFD

Investigators found no evidence that a gas leak caused the explosion at Valley Glen’s home late Sunday that sent two men to the hospital and led to evacuations, officials said Monday.

They also found no evidence that it was caused by a THC extraction laboratory, but there was evidence that marijuana was grown in the garage area and that is part of the investigation, the Los Angeles Fire Department tweeted.

When the firefighters first arrived at the scene of the crime shortly before 9:30 p.m. on the 12700 block of West Archwood Street, they found no active fire, but rather clear signs of a “significant explosion,” said LAFD Captain Erik Scott.

The crews saw a 59-year-old man in front of the house and took him to hospital with severe burns.

“Firefighters then discovered the smell of natural gas and worked to locate and secure the leak,” said Scott.

At the same time, the crews systematically searched the house in shoulder-deep rubble. Then they heard a “soft knocking noise,” said the captain.

They started pulling away the rubble and found a 46-year-old man buried deep in the rubble.

They used a chainsaw to carefully remove the debris around him and then dragged him to safety before taking him to a hospital.

At that time there were seven residents living in the apartment. The other five – a man, a woman, and three children – were not injured.

Another woman, a neighbor, was medically examined on site but refused to be transported to the hospital.

The house has been given a red label by the Department of Construction and Security, officials said.

The aftermath of an explosion in Valley Glen can be seen on April 12, 2021. (KTLA)

A total of 13 houses around the explosion site had to be evacuated, including seven that were damaged by the rubble.

Debris was seen on the street surrounding the badly damaged house on Monday.

Sky5’s aerial video showed the wreck extending beyond the house, including a garage door that appeared to be three houses away and parts of the house in trees.

The Los Angeles Police Department will lead the investigation into the explosion, with investigators assisting the LAFD arson.

The cause of the fire is still being investigated and no further details were available.

Close modally

Suggest a correction

Suggest a correction