1 dead, 3 injured in commercial building explosion in Southern California industrial area

1 dead, 3 injured in Calif. business blast

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. — California fire authorities say one person has been found dead after an explosion at a business in a Simi Valley industrial area.

Ventura County fire spokesman Ron Oatman says three other people were injured in the explosion shortly after 1 p.m.

Oatman says the building at least partially collapsed and firefighters backed out after discovering the fatality.

Businesses in a half-mile radius have been evacuated while authorities determine what they are dealing with. The blast also blew a hole in the building’s roof.

Simi Valley is west of Los Angeles.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. (AP) — California fire authorities say an explosion has injured three people at a business in a Simi Valley industrial area.

Fire spokesman Ron Oatman says Simi Valley firefighters responded to a police call at about 1:15 p.m. Thursday.

Oatman says business in a half-mile radius are being evacuated. The blast appeared to have punched a hole through the building’s roof.

Officials say three people have suffered minor injuries and firefighters are searching for a fourth person who has not been accounted for.

The cause of the blast is under investigation.

Simi Valley is west of Los Angeles.