LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – An investigation is underway following an explosion that caused damage to an apartment building in Van Nuys on Saturday night. The incident, which occurred in the 7300 block of Woodman Avenue, prompted a swift response from the Los Angeles Fire Department after being reported at 5:38 p.m.
According to LAFD spokesman Connor Thompson, the explosion was contained to a single apartment unit. Fortunately, the occupants – two adults and a child – were not present at the time of the blast, resulting in no injuries. The Red Cross stepped in to assist the displaced residents in finding alternative housing following the destructive event.
Maronzio Vance, a neighboring resident, described hearing a loud explosion from inside his apartment before witnessing the devastating aftermath. Vance reported seeing the apartment’s wall obliterated, resembling scenes from a movie. He suspected a gas explosion, noting a strong gas odor in the vicinity following the blast.
City officials had initiated actions regarding the apartment building’s gas supply prior to the explosion, as Vance highlighted discussions about a potential gas shut-off due to unpaid bills by the property owner or manager. In response to the incident, forty-six firefighters responded to the scene to address the situation as safety measures were implemented.
The cause of the explosion remains under investigation by authorities, with the City’s Department of Building and Safety inspectors conducting a comprehensive assessment of the damage inflicted by the blast. The incident has left residents and officials concerned about the safety and security of the neighborhood, emphasizing the need for thorough inspections and precautionary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.