Explosion and Fire Injures Two, Including a Child, in Bell Gardens Home

Explosion and Fire in Bell Gardens

• 💥 A massive explosion destroyed an apartment complex in Bell Gardens, with a fire blowing into the night sky.
• 🚨 The blast occurred shortly after 6 p.m. in the 6500 block of Purdy Avenue, described by neighbors as sounding like a bomb.

Injuries and Response

• 🚑 Two people were transported to nearby hospitals with burn injuries, including a child.
• 🏥 One adult sustained third-degree burns, another first to second-degree burns, and one adult is in critical condition.
• 🚒 Close to 60 firefighters responded to the scene and worked for nearly an hour to knock down the blaze.

Investigation Underway

• 🔍 Arson investigators and the bomb squad are on the ground to determine the cause of the explosion.
• ❓ While the exact cause is unknown, residents speculated it could have been a gas leak or fireworks.

Displacement and Aid

• 🏠 The structure is an apartment home with 3 to 4 units, displacing about four families.
• 🤝 The Red Cross is providing assistance to the displaced families.