TL/DR –
Large explosions near a Sikh temple in Sacramento, California were caused by propane tanks that caught fire. The building affected, which was primarily used for teaching and food preparation, sustained significant damage, and two vehicles were also destroyed, but the main temple and its main hall were not damaged. The cause and origin of the fire remain unknown and under investigation, but no injuries were reported.
Propane Tanks Cause Large Explosions Near Sacramento Sikh Temple
On Monday afternoon, massive explosions near the Gurdwara Sacramento Sikh Society were attributed to propane tanks catching fire, as confirmed by officials from the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District. The fire, which damaged a building in front of the Sikh temple on Bradshaw Road, remains under investigation. Battalion Chief Parker Wilbourn of Sacramento Metro Fire clarified there’s no suspicion of foul play at this point.
Upon arrival at the fire scene, crews reported hearing powerful explosions. These were caused by exploding propane tanks, with some blasts reaching up to 50 feet high. The fire’s cause and origin remain unknown. “Several of these tanks were close to our fire engines, hence we were fortunate that one of these tanks didn’t explode and harm anyone,” reported Chief Wilbourn.
The temple itself, fortunately, was unscathed by the fire. KCRA 3 shared videos of the burning building and the explosions. The incident left two vehicles destroyed and firefighters mopping up the remains of the ravaged building.
Mayor Responds to Sikh Temple Fire Incident
Bobbie Singh-Allen, the mayor of Elk Grove and a parishioner of the temple, responded to the fire, expressing her gratitude for the lack of loss of life. The burning building, she explained, was primarily used for teaching and food preparation. The main hall was untouched by the fire. “The Sikh community embodies chardi kala, or eternal optimism, and this incident reaffirms that spirit,” she said.
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office responded to the explosions at around 3:30 p.m. and confirmed no injuries. Singh-Allen said, “Initially, we were all scared and nervous. However, further details brought some relief as this could have been just an accident.”
Images shared by the fire department captured the fire-engulfed propane tanks. Updates about the investigation will follow. For the latest information, stay tuned to KCRA 3.
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