Explosion Kills One and Injures Two in Twentynine Palms Home

An explosion at a residence in Twentynine Palms, California, resulted in one death and two injuries Friday night, according to San Bernardino County Fire officials.

The blast occurred on the 6400 block of Ocotillo Avenue, where three adults and a dog were inside the home at the time. The explosion triggered a large fire that destroyed the house.

Local Marines from a nearby base were among the first responders, assisting in rescuing the occupants from the rubble before emergency crews arrived.

"At the time of the explosion, three adults and a dog were inside," the San Bernardino County Fire Department said. "As units began to arrive, several Marines were already on scene from the nearby Marine Corps base, rescuing the occupants from inside."

One of the injured was airlifted to a specialized burn center, while another suffered moderate injuries and was taken to a local hospital.

"One victim was flown by helicopter to the nearest burn center. Another suffered moderate injuries. A third person died," reported KABC.

The dog inside the home was rescued unharmed.

Deputies from the Morongo Basin Station responded to assist firefighters and confirmed that the house had exploded. Investigators from the Sheriff's Arson/Bomb Detail have taken over the case.

"Sheriff’s Arson/Bomb Detail also responded and has assumed the investigation," the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said.

The cause of the explosion and fire remains under investigation, with officials continuing to assess the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Emergency agencies including the Marine Corps Combat Center Morongo Basin Ambulance, California Highway Patrol Inland Division, San Bernardino County Sheriff, and Mercy Air provided assistance at the scene.