US | Los Angeles Two Killed in LA Explosion, Fire Natural gas blast destroys 2-story building By Nick McMaster Posted Jul 30, 2010 1:48 PM CDT Copied Roofing material covers nearby cars after a natural gas explosion at a welding shop, collapsing part of the building and hurling two workers into the street, Friday, July 30, 2010, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Gus Ruelas) Two people was killed today when a gas explosion ripped through a building in South Los Angeles. What firefighters described as a violent natural gas explosion occurred at 6:15am at a 2-story building that houses a welding operation, causing the facade to collapse and starting a fire, NBC Los Angeles reports. One victim was killed by the initial blast, and another succumbed to injuries sustained when he accidental touched a 34,500-volt power line while trying to clear his truck from the wreckage. "When firefighters arrived, one victim was pinned on his side underneath an axle of a car that was parked," a fire captain said. "The explosion was very intense. This is a very large commercial area. There was a furnacing operation here and a lot of industrial gasses here. We're not sure exactly what happened, but it was a major explosion." Read These Next Defense officials react to Hegseth's Quantico meeting. Colorado wants to give 'peace of mind' on Hunter S. Thompson. Government shutdown is here. Here's what to expect. President asks nation's top generals to loosen up. Report an error