Authorities are continuing their investigation into a violent explosion that tore apart a home on Ocotillo Avenue in the desert community of Twentynine Palms, California, on Friday night. The blast, which occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m., killed a woman and injured two men, who were later taken to a hospital. The family dog also survived the incident.
Neighbors describe the blast
Christy Turley, who lives behind the affected house, said she was taking a shower when the explosion struck. “When it hit, it was so loud, I thought we had been bombed, or the base was bombed. I wasn’t sure, but everything shook,” Turley told reporters. She added that she had covered her bathroom window with boards to block the afternoon sun, which placed her directly in the path of the blast.
Hadessa Greenle, another nearby resident, recalled seeing a “wall of fire” as she ran from her apartment. “It’s like it went up and around, so when we ran out the door, there was fire falling,” she said. Greenle later set up fans and air purifiers in her unit after smoke filled her home.
Emergency response
First responders from the San Bernardino County Fire Department arrived quickly, working to extinguish the flames and rescue the two surviving men. Both men were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Firefighters also secured the surrounding area to prevent further damage.
Investigation ongoing
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the explosion. Several neighbors reported smelling gas earlier in the day, but officials have not confirmed whether a gas leak contributed to the blast. The San Bernardino County Fire Department and local law enforcement are conducting a thorough investigation, and they have asked the public to refrain from speculation until more information is available.
NBC4 reached out to Southern California Gas Company for comment and is awaiting a response.
Community reaction
Residents of the small desert town expressed shock and a desire for answers as they try to make sense of the tragedy. The close‑knit community, which often looks out for one another, gathered near the scene to support emergency crews and to offer assistance to the surviving family members.
Twentynine Palms officials have not announced any immediate changes to local safety protocols, but the incident has prompted discussions about gas line inspections and emergency preparedness in the area.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
