Explosion Destroys Home in Pacoima; Man Burned, Dogs Trapped

PACOIMA, LOS ANGELES, Mar. 22 (KNN) — An approximately 24-year-old man suffered severe burns and multiple fractures after an explosion caused a building to collapse Thursday morning in Pacoima, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Firefighters responded to the incident in the 13500 block of West Remington Street around 9:01 a.m. and found no active fire upon arrival. However, approximately 75% of the structure had collapsed, leaving three large dogs trapped inside. Due to structural instability, crews awaited further stabilization before attempting to rescue the animals.

The injured man sustained burns covering 56% of his body and was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition.

SoCal Gas and hazardous materials teams were on the scene, and no gas leaks were reported at that time. The cause of the explosion remains unknown, and the LAPD Bomb Squad is en route to investigate.

LAFD crews worked on extrication efforts for the trapped dogs.

The Los Angeles Police Department later reported that they believed homemade fireworks were the cause of the explosion. A criminal investigation is currently underway.

Josiah Valenzuela, Video Journalist / KNN