13 Injured in Gun Range Explosion Near Highway 99

Thirteen people were injured, four critically, after a natural gas line was ruptured at the Fresno County Peace Officers Firing Range and burst into a tower of flames near Highway 99 and Herndon Avenue in northwest Fresno.

The explosion happened Friday around 2:30 p.m. According to PG&E, a non-PG&E worker struck a gas transmission pipeline.

The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office said an employee of the Fresno County Public Works Department was driving a tractor along a dirt road behind the gun range when the explosion happened.

It’s unclear whether that worker was digging, as the investigation is ongoing.

A ball of fire could be seen from Highway 99 with flames reaching about 100 feet in the air.

"The way it was described to me when this explosion took place was that it sounded like a jet engine going off as a result of the gas and the fire," said Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims. 

Mims said 11 people were hospitalized, including 10 inmates who were working on the range and the county road worker.

"There’s a large crater where the explosion occurred. The front loader is completely blackened and unrepairable it’s demolished," Mims said.

Two deputies stood about 400 feet away. The heat was so intense that trashcans nearby them melted, Mims said.

"They immediately went to the aid of the inmates as well as the front loader operator (county worker). Not knowing if there were going to be additional explosions, they had everyone moved to the area toward the San Joaquin River just north of the location," Mims said.

The two deputies were treated on scene for sun burn-like injuries and ringing in their ears.

Fresno firefighters put out hotspots for several hours.

The fire also damaged the railway where the gas line runs under.

"Gas fire has that explosion factor that most structure fires do not, so that’s something you have to be very, very aware of," said Fresno Fire Chief Kerri Donis, "And we’re very cautious. We have a defensive approach here."

The NB 99 was shut down for several hours, causing a traffic mess in all directions.

Multiple agencies responded to get the scene under control.

"Perfect example of teamwork at its best with public safety," Donis said.

Some people in the area said they were asked to evacuate while the area was evaluated, but they were back in their homes Friday night. 

Those who have burn injuries are being treated at local hospitals, including Fresno Community Regional Medical Center, St. Agnes, and Madera Community Hospital.