Mar 27, 2008 11:08 pm US/Pacific
Utility Vaults Examined After Fatal Blast Near LAX
LOS ANGELES
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Fatally injured in the last of the three explosions was 10-year department veteran Brent A. Lovrien, 35, the first Los Angeles firefighter to be killed while on duty since 2004.
CBS
An 18-year veteran of the Los Angeles City Fire Department remained in critical condition Friday as authorities continue looking into the cause of the explosion that injured him and killed one of his colleagues in Westchester earlier this week.
Reports that a power saw and leaking gas may have played a role in the explosions were "just speculation at this point," said LAFD spokesman Brian Humphrey.
At least one witness has come forward saying a firefighter used a power saw to try to get into a utility room in the midst of the explosions, according to published and broadcast reports.
"Everything is still under investigation," Humphrey said today. City fire Engineer Anthony J. Guzman, 48, who suffered multiple fractures and facial trauma, underwent surgery at UCLA Medical Center in Westwood following Wednesday afternoon's three explosions.
"He is still critical but he is recovering," Fire Capt. Armando Hogan said. "We're concerned about internal injuries, but we expect a full recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."
Fatally injured in the last of the three explosions was 10-year department veteran Brent A. Lovrien, 35, the first Los Angeles firefighter to be killed while on duty since 2004.
Fire Capt. Armando Hogan, who knew Lovrien, called Lovrien an inspiration.
"He's going to be severely missed," Hogan said. "I had the great fortune to work with Brent. He was a hard worker, and always upbeat, somebody
who wanted to be the best he could be. He inspired a lot of people."
While the explosions in the 8800 block of South Sepulveda Boulevard
appeared to be related to electrical vaults under the street, the exact cause "is unknown at this point," Deputy Chief Mario Rueda said.
Yesterday, utility crews examined underground vaults, which contain electrical cables and other power equipment, DWP spokesman Joe Ramallo said.
"What exploded yesterday (Wednesday) was a panel room that contained our meter boxes," Ramallo said. "The panel room was connected to our
underground facilities via a conduit. The building and the panel room are privately owned and constructed. ... What hasn't been determined is where the problem began."
Sepulveda Boulevard remained closed in the area.
(© 2008 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)
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