Mammoth Lakes condo explosion traps 3, injures 5

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

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

Rescuers first found two men working at the compound, one of whom needed to be cleared of snow and debris, police said.

A man then approached and said his wife and son were trapped in a collapsed condo. Both were found; the woman suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to hospital. The other four suffered moderate or light injuries and were taken to a local hospital.

Search teams with dogs found no other victims.

The cause of the explosion is under investigation.

Collapsed roofs have been reported in several California mountain communities amid recent snowstorms. It was not immediately clear if the Mammoth building had collapsed due to the explosion or the weight of the snow.

Propane tank owners are advised to keep them clear of snow and ice, as the buildup can damage valves and fittings, resulting in a gas leak.

Mammoth police said late Wednesday that CalFire crews from other parts of the state came to help clear snow from roofs, fire hydrants and propane tanks.