Simi Valley buildings evacuated after possible explosion

A possible explosion in a commercial area of Simi Valley on Thursday afternoon has forced the evacuation of several buildings, authorities said.

There were reports that an explosion was heard at a building in the 400 block of Easy Street about 1:15 p.m., according to information from the Ventura County Fire Department.

“Additional reporting parties said they could see smoke and there is a partial building collapse,” Ventura County Fire Capt. Ron Oatman said.

Oatman said details were sketchy, but initial reports indicated  four people may have been in need of assistance, including at least one person who was trapped.

By 2:15 p.m., three people had been accounted for, Oatman said. Authorities were trying to determine whether there was “a fourth patient, and their location,” he added.

All buildings within a half-mile radius of the incident were being evacuated, Oatman said.

-- Ann M. Simmons

Comments

[Travis]

I'm glad I didn't go down there today. I hope no one else was hurt.

[ScientistsRCool]

Is there such a thing as a "possible explosion"?

[ScientistsRCool]

Is there really such a thing as a "possible explosion"?

[trekqueen]

1 dead 2 injured

hubby was at home nearby within the 1/2 mile radius and thought an earthquake shook the house or a sonic boom. it wasn't until I saw a blip on twitter that I called him and he put it together and why helicopters were circling. streets are still shutdown and the neighborhood locked down.

[The Bell]

That's life on Easy Street.