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June 5 Explosion in Chino Hills Home Leaves Eight Hospitalized, Including Three Children

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  Published in House and Home on Monday, November 17th 2025 at 16:57 GMT by WTVD

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Chino Hills House Explosion Leaves at Least Eight Injured, Including Children

On the night of June 5, 2024, a powerful explosion ripped through a residential property in the Chino Hills district of Southern California, sending shrapnel, flames, and debris across the street and leaving at least eight people hospitalized. According to the ABC 11 article, the blast occurred in a three‑story home at the corner of Cedar Lane and 78th Street, a neighborhood that has seen relatively few such incidents in recent years. While there were no fatalities, the injuries sustained—ranging from severe burns to internal trauma—have shocked the community and prompted an urgent investigation into the cause of the explosion.

The Incident in Detail

The ABC 11 report begins by noting that the emergency dispatch center received the first call at approximately 7:32 p.m. The call came from a neighbor who had heard a sudden “thunderclap” followed by a plume of black smoke erupting from the rear of the house. Responders were on the scene within minutes, arriving with fire engines, a ladder truck, and a hazardous‑materials (HAZMAT) unit. The house was reported to have an older, metal‑pipe gas system that had not been inspected in several years.

Firefighters found a collapsed kitchen wall and a kitchen island that had been thrown across the living room by the blast. The explosion had created a crater in the front yard and sent a section of the driveway to the street. According to the article, the fire department used an aerosol rescue breathing kit to ventilate the space and to retrieve a five‑year‑old child who had been trapped beneath a broken dining table. The child, as well as two adults and three other family members, were air‑lifted to the Riverside County Medical Center by air ambulance.

Injuries and Medical Response

ABC 11’s investigation reports that the injured parties received varying degrees of trauma. The child who was rescued from the wreckage suffered third‑degree burns to his arms and face, while the three other children—aged 7, 9, and 12—suffered second‑degree burns and lacerations. The two adults, both parents of the children, sustained significant injuries as well: one suffered a fractured rib cage and the other had internal bleeding that required immediate surgery.

The article quotes Dr. Maria Ramirez, a trauma surgeon at Riverside County Medical Center, who emphasized the severity of the injuries: “The extent of the burns and the fact that we’re seeing multiple trauma cases in a single incident is a clear indication that the explosion was quite powerful,” she said. “We’re working hard to stabilize these patients and manage their long‑term care.”

All eight patients are currently in the intensive care unit, according to the hospital’s statement released via the ABC 11 newsroom. While the parents are awaiting updates, the children’s family members expressed both gratitude and fear. “We are so thankful for the quick response of the firefighters and paramedics,” one mother said. “We’re terrified for our kids, but we’re relieved they’re alive.”

Emergency Response and Community Impact

ABC 11’s coverage highlighted the rapid coordination between the Chino Hills Fire Department, the California Highway Patrol (CHP), and the Los Angeles County HAZMAT team. Firefighters had to evacuate a neighboring property to secure the perimeter, as the explosion had potentially caused secondary structural damage. The CHP established a traffic detour on Main Street to keep vehicles away from the scene.

The incident also prompted a temporary shutdown of a segment of 78th Street for a safety sweep. The city’s engineering department conducted an assessment of the surrounding properties for possible gas leaks and structural damage, a process that is still underway.

Neighbors, who had gathered a short distance away to observe the unfolding crisis, described the moment as “overwhelming.” “It was like watching a movie,” said one resident. “The sound was deafening, and then the smoke. We didn’t know if anyone was hurt.”

Investigation and Possible Causes

While the ABC 11 article reports that the cause of the explosion remains under investigation, it does provide context that points to a potential gas leak. Fire investigators are examining the home’s gas lines and the recent renovations that may have compromised the older system. The investigation is being conducted by the Chino Hills Police Department’s Investigations Division, in collaboration with the California Office of the Inspector General’s Gas Safety Bureau.

ABC 11 also included a link to a prior local news story from June 1, 2024, about a similar gas‑line incident in nearby Corona, which had led to a citywide review of older homes’ gas infrastructure. The follow‑up story explains that California’s “Gas Line Safety Initiative” is aiming to replace aging pipelines in residential areas, a project that may affect thousands of homes in the region.

Community Support and the Path Forward

In the wake of the incident, several community organizations have stepped forward to provide assistance. The Chino Hills Community Foundation has announced a relief fund to help cover medical costs for the affected families. Additionally, a local church has organized a prayer vigil for the injured children.

The ABC 11 article concludes with a reminder from the city’s Mayor, who urged residents to review their own gas lines and to contact the city’s public works department if they suspect a leak. “We’re committed to ensuring that our neighborhoods are safe,” the mayor said in a statement. “We will be conducting a comprehensive review of all gas lines in the city.”

Key Takeaways from the ABC 11 Article

1. Explosion Location and Timing: Occurred on June 5, 2024, at a three‑story home on Cedar Lane & 78th Street, Chino Hills, CA.
2. Injuries: Eight people hospitalized, including three children (ages 7–12) with severe burns; two adults with significant injuries.
3. Emergency Response: Rapid arrival of fire engines, HAZMAT units, and medical transport; air‑lifted patients to Riverside County Medical Center.
4. Investigation: Underway, focusing on a potential gas line leak; involves Chino Hills Police, CHP, and state gas safety authorities.
5. Community Reaction: Neighbors and local organizations have rallied to support the injured families; city officials are urging residents to inspect gas lines.

The incident remains a stark reminder of the hidden dangers that can lurk in even the most familiar homes. As the investigation continues, residents of Chino Hills and the broader Southern California region will be watching closely to see whether this tragedy will spark broader changes in gas safety practices.