A home in Chino Hills was reduced to rubble in a powerful blast and forced firefighters to evacuate 16 homes

Associated Press

CHINO HILLS, Calif. — A house exploded in a Southern California neighborhood, injuring eight people and damaging two homes nearby, with firefighters evacuating a total of 16 homes.

Firefighters in Chino Hills did not say what caused the explosion Sunday, but said that a gas leak had been stopped. Photos and video from the scene showed the house reduced to a pile of rubble.

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“Crews will remain on scene to continue the overhaul and investigation,” the Chino Valley Fire District posted online.

The fire department said four people were taken from the home to a hospital, and four others brought themselves. Their conditions were not immediately known.

KABC-TV reported witnesses said they saw people running from the exploded home, including children crying for help.

People whose homes were not damaged were later allowed to return.

A phone message seeking comment was left with the Southern California Gas Company.

Chino Hills has about 78,000 people and is about 35 miles (56 kilometers) southeast of Los Angeles.

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