Footage from a security camera at a neighboring residence recorded the moment an explosion at a house shook a Long Beach community.
One individual who was present in the residence sustained injuries in the intense blast, which raised the roof off the dwelling and scattered fragments. Residents reported feeling the blast from several blocks away.
“I just witnessed this massive explosion. I saw the roof of the house at the same elevation as the tree,” stated onlooker Juan Romero, who resides nearby. “I was at that stop sign and narrowly escaped being hit by debris. It was severe.”
“My mother mentioned that the mirrors fell from the walls and other items as well; it was really terrible.”
Several residents rushed towards the structure, an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on West 28th Street close to Gale Avenue, after the 11 a.m. explosion to check if anyone required assistance.
Romero mentioned seeing someone emerging from the debris. The man, in his 30s, was taken to the hospital, but information about his status was not readily available.
“Honestly, that’s somewhat of a miracle,” Romero remarked. “Given the magnitude of that explosion, I truly feared the worst case scenario, to be completely frank.”
The main building on the premises suffered minor damages.
Information regarding the cause of the explosion was not immediately disclosed.
Earlier, the city of Long Beach placed a notice at the location stating that the detached structure was not permitted. It has been mandated for demolition within 48 hours.
NBCLA is working to obtain additional details about the infraction.
