WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A community in West Sacramento, California was thrown into disarray on Sunday morning when an explosion at the Washington Courtyard apartments forced the evacuation of dozens of people. The incident left residents like Francis Schinn stunned, describing the explosion as feeling like a freight train or a bomb eruption that reverberated across the complex.
The call reporting the explosion came in around 10:30 a.m., with the most significant damage occurring on the north side of the apartment complex. Andrew Vandyke, a resident of the complex for nearly eight years, hurried over upon hearing the news. Vandyke recounted the frantic moments when he received a call about his dog being trapped in the neighboring apartment that had exploded, prompting him to rush to the scene.
As residents like Vandyke navigated through the aftermath on Monday, a fence surrounded the 14-unit building to ensure safety measures were in place. Vandyke, along with his 9-year-old son and their dog, sought refuge with family members after the traumatic event. The speculation about a possible gas leak loomed, but officials from the city of West Sacramento indicated that it would take a few days to pinpoint the exact cause of the explosion. The building remained redtagged until authorities completed safety assessments.
Paul Hosley, a spokesperson for West Sacramento, disclosed to KCRA 3 that the occupancy status of the unit at the epicenter of the explosion remains uncertain. The Red Cross stepped in to assist the 38 individuals impacted by the explosion, offering support to those affected by the unforeseen disaster. In the coming days, residents and officials alike must work together to unravel the mystery surrounding the explosion and ensure the safety of the community.