2 dead as California neighborhood rocked by fireworks explosion, large fire

The explosion shook houses in the neighborhood and blew out windows.

March 16, 2021, 6:48 PM

A "large amount" of fireworks at a house sparked an explosion and fire that has left two people dead in Ontario, California, according to the city and fire department.

The explosion took place at about 12:30 p.m. local time. Video of the scene showed the home entirely destroyed by the blast.

Ontario Fire Chief Ray Gayk said two dead bodies were found as they fought the blaze. First responders weren't able to access the lot because there was still a significant amount of ordnance on the ground.

Ontario Police officers and a man are seen running away from an explosion at a home in Ontario, Calif., March 16, 2021.
Watchara Phomicinda/Orange County Register via ZUMA Press

The Ontario bomb squad was combing the area before firefighters make their way in, Gayk said. All fireworks are illegal in Ontario, officials said.

Ontario Police Chief Mike Lorenz said there were previous complaints about the property.

Firefighters respond to an explosion at a home in Ontario, Calif., March 16, 2021.
Watchara Phomicinda/Orange County Register via ZUMA Press

Gayk said it will take several days to investigate, but they are receiving help from agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

"Explosions being heard are by fireworks at this time," city officials tweeted. "Please stay clear of the area."

Ontario is about 40 miles east of Los Angeles.

Nearby residents shared videos on social media of people running away as more fireworks exploded and sent smoke into the air.

One resident, whose house shook, thought it was an earthquake. Another neighbor told Los Angeles ABC station KABC that the blast broke their windows.

An aerial image shows an explosion in Ontario, Calif., March 16, 2021.
KABC
An aerial image shows a massive explosion in Ontario, Calif., March 16, 2021.
KABC

As of 3:30 p.m. local time, firefighters were still battling the fire.

Alex Stone reports for ABC News Radio:

ABC News' Matt Gutman contributed to this report.