Explosion rocks Chino Hills neighborhood, 8 hospitalized after home catches fire
At least eight people were hospitalized on Sunday when a home in Chino Hills caught fire from a possible gas leak, according to San Bernardino County authorities.
It happened in the 42000 block of Sierra Vista Drive at around 3:45 p.m., according to Chino Valley Fire.
San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department deputies, firefighters with the San Bernardino County Fire Department and SoCal Edison personnel were called to the scene to assist with the situation.
Eight people were taken to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to SBSD. They said that all of the victims were inside the home that caught fire.
Firefighters said four of the victims had taken themselves to the hospital by the time they arrived.
"For precautionary reasons Sierra Vista to Del Norte Ave. have been evacuated," SBSD officials said. "We are waiting to ensure that the area is safe before allowing homeowners back to the area."
In all, 16 homes were evacuated, firefighters said.
Deputies said that there was also damage to surrounding homes in the area. Sierra Vista Drive between Del Norte Avenue and Descanso Avenue was expected to be closed for several hours.
Neighbors that felt the shaking of the explosion left their homes to find the street and their yards filled with scattered debris. Cellphone video footage captured by some residents showed the garage door of the home strewn about. It appeared to have struck a car parked across the street before winding up in the neighbor's driveway.
"It blew open our doors, knocked over some things," said Gustavo Sanchez, who lives nearby. "I came out and just the worst part was hearing the sound from loud explosion to kids screaming, trying to get out. It was awful."
