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Suspect arrested in Calif. explosion injuring 4 firefighters

Firefighters were responding to a reported gas leak when the vacant house exploded, just seconds after they entered it

By FireRescue1 Staff

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A suspect has been arrested in connection with a gas explosion at a house that injured four firefighters.

Robert William Durst, a resident next door to the house, was taken into custody Monday on suspicion of arson causing great bodily injury, aggravated arson with prior convictions and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, according to the Sacramento Bee.

The July 5 explosion took place just seconds after firefighters — responding to a reported gas leak — entered the house and left them with burns to their faces and extremities.

Three of the firefighters were hospitalized for several days.

Fire officials say the firefighters turned off gas and electricity to the house before the explosion, and preliminary investigations have found no fault in fireground operations.