LONG BEACH, CA — A devastating explosion in Long Beach critically injured a local man and obliterated an auxiliary dwelling in a quiet residential neighborhood on Monday morning. Hospitalized with severe burns and battling for his life, the man’s family and the community are rallying support to overcome the catastrophe.
Neighbors recounted the chaos that ensued around 11 a.m. when the blast ripped through the back house located on the 2800 block of Gale Avenue in the Upper Westside area. The explosion not only decimated the secondary unit but also resulted in minor structural damages to the main house on the property.
The victim, identified by his wife Sheila Fabrigas as Manny Fabrigas, is currently receiving intensive medical attention for second- and third-degree burns covering a significant portion of his body. In the aftermath of the incident, his wife has voiced the immense challenges ahead, both in terms of Manny’s recovery and the financial burdens facing them.
In response to the disaster, Sheila Fabrigas launched a GoFundMe campaign to solicit financial aid, aiming to gather $50,000 for medical bills and to help the family stabilize their immediate needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. As of Tuesday afternoon, the initiative had drawn over $8,000 in donations.
The incident occurred significantly poignantly as Manny had spent the previous day participating in a cycling marathon with his daughter, enjoying what was described as a peaceful respite before the explosion marred their lives. The Fabrigas family, who immigrated from the Philippines, had seen their home as a manifestation of years of hard work and dedication, which Sheila says was “cruelly taken away in an instant.”
According to the Fire Department and various state reports, the explosion is still under investigation. Fire officials, who were promptly at the scene thanks to alert neighbors, managed to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading beyond the already impacted structures. The main house has been categorized as “yellow tagged” by local authorities, signifying that the building is structurally compromised but accessible for residents to retrieve personal belongings. The accessory dwelling where the blast occurred was labeled “red tagged,” indicating severe damage and barring entry due to safety concerns.
The Red Cross has stepped in to assist the displaced family and ensure they receive necessary relief. The tight-knit community’s rapid response in rescuing Manny Fabrigas from the blaze reflects the area’s spirit of solidarity and prompt action in times of crisis.
Residents of neighboring properties experienced minor damage due to the blast, illustrating the force of the explosion and the potential for even greater destruction had emergency services not responded with such immediacy.
This harrowing incident underscores the unpredictable nature of such disasters and the profound impact they can have on individuals and communities alike. As the investigation progresses, the Long Beach community holds its collective breath for the recovery of one of their own and the hope for answers surrounding the cause of this calamitous event.