Mammoth Lakes condo explosion traps 3 people, injures 5

MAMMOTH LAKES  — An explosion at a condominium complex injured five people, one critically, on Wednesday in the mountain community of Mammoth Lakes, authorities said.

The blast occurred shortly before 9:30 a.m. at Val d’Isere Condominiums, near the base of the ski resort gondola. The Mammoth Lakes police said the building collapsed.

Emergency responders first found two men who worked at the complex, including one who had to be freed from snow and debris, police said.

A man then approached and said his wife and son were trapped in a collapsed condo unit. Both of them were found; the woman had critical injuries and was flown to a hospital. The four others had moderate or mild injuries and were taken to a local hospital.

Search crews with dogs didn’t find any other victims.

The cause of the explosion is under investigation.

Collapsed roofs have been reported in several California mountain communities amid the recent snowstorms. It wasn’t immediately clear whether the Mammoth building collapsed from the explosion or the weight of the snow.

Homeowners with propane tanks are advised to keep them clear of snow and ice, as the accumulation can damage valves and fittings, resulting in a gas leak.

The Mammoth police said on Wednesday evening that CalFire crews from other parts of the state had come in to help clear snow from roofs, fire hydrants and propane tanks.