LAist is part of Southern California Public Radio (SCPR), a member-supported public media network. Hear our news on-air at our partner site:
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
A business building in Simi Valley exploded today leaving one dead and two with minor injuries. The explosion was reported around 1:15pm today near E. Easy Street. Firefighters training near by were able to arrive shortly after, according to Public Information Officer for Ventura County Fire Department Bill Nash. Although fire fighters are still on the scene, officials have determined the atmosphere to be clear and safe for the public. There was severe damage to the building and authorities are still assessing the structural safety.Streets around Easy Street remain closed, as there is still no word on the cause of the explosion forcing authorities to be cautious.
It is known however, that the building was for a business called Realm Industries that performs alternative fuel testing, but "we really don't know what the definition of that is," Ventura County Fire Department Capt. Ron Oatman said, according to the Associated Press.
Authorities say they expect to have the streets back open around 5:30pm today.