Couple Narrowly Escapes Explosion At Woodland Hills Mansion

WOODLAND HILLS, CA — A Woodland Hills couple narrowly escaped death when Gas Co. employees helped them evacuate their home just moments before a massive explosion tore through the mansion.

The gas explosion and fire gutted their Woodland Hills home Tuesday evening after a construction crew accidentally struck a gas line. While no one was injured, the ruptured lines posed a major danger in the area, according to Los Angeles Fire Department officials.

"It is our safety concern to let that gas fire burn until we can get a controlled shut off," Assistant Fire Chief Patrick Butler told KTLA. "Our fear is if we extinguish these gas leaks the gas will then travel to other areas and find another ignition source and set off another explosion."

At least one explosion was reported at the two-story home in the 4900 block of Marmol Drive, south of Ventura Boulevard, according to Amy Bastman of the Los Angeles Fire Department, who said the fire broke out about 7:40 p.m. Flames could be seen shooting from the home.

The house was engulfed in flames after reports of an initial explosion. Gas from an uncontrolled line was burning as firefighters mounted an exterior attack because the home's structural integrity was compromised, according to Bastman.

Although firefighters got a handle on the bulk of the fire, gas continued to burn, delaying a knockdown call, Bastman said.

City News Service and Patch staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report. Photo: KTLA Screengrab