Crime & Safety
Hydrogen Explosion Prompts Evacuations In El Cajon
Authorities asked the public to avoid the area for four hours.
EL CAJON, CA – A hydrogen truck fire and explosion prompted evacuations of several businesses and schools Wednesday in San Diego's East County.
The explosion happened around 8:10 a.m. in the 1100 block of W. Bradley Avenue in El Cajon, just south of Gillespie Field, according Heartland Fire & Rescue.
San Diego County Sheriff's Department officials evacuated people from businesses and residences in a two-block area stretching from Cuyamaca Street to North Marshall Avenue, Heartland Fire & Rescue public information officer Mark Casey said.
Find out what's happening in Santeefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
About 150 students co-located in school programs at IDEA Center High School, Chaparral High School and Merit Academy were evacuated, according to Grossmont Union High School District. The students were evacuated to the gymnasium at Grossmont High School for parent reunification, spokeswoman Catherine Martin said. Classes were expected to resume Thursday.
A hazmat team was dispatched to the scene. No injuries were reported.
Find out what's happening in Santeefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
San Diego Metropolitan Transit System said the Sycuan Green Line was rerouting at Arnele Station and the Orange Line was rerouting at El Cajon Transit Center. Delays were expected.
Authorities asked residents and the general public to avoid the area for four hours.
#Update Evacuated students have arrived at Grossmont High School. They were transported over 3.5 miles to ensure a secure location where they are under the supervision of staff as they await parent pick-up. We anticipate that classes will resume as normal tomorrow.
— PIO Catherine Martin (@GUHSDPIO) August 29, 2018
#MTSAlert Due to a fire in the area, Sycuan Green Line trains are turning at Arnele Station & Orange Line trains are turning at El Cajon Transit Center. Expect delays.
— San Diego MTS (@sdmts) August 29, 2018
Approximately 150 students co-located in school programs at IDEA Center, Chaparral and Merit Academy are in the process of being evacuated to the gymnasium at Grossmont High School for parent reunification. https://t.co/7UAV5fSKgl
— PIO Catherine Martin (@GUHSDPIO) August 29, 2018
Crews are on scene of a hydrogen explosion in the 1100 block of W. Bradley in El Cajon. Avoid the area for 4 hours https://t.co/30XQgqnh31
— Heartland Fire (@heartlandfire) August 29, 2018
City News Service contributed to this report. Image via Shutterstock
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
