A total of 161 firefighters responded to 811 W. Wilshire Blvd. shortly after 10:10 p.m. and found evidence of an explosion and fire on a subterranean level of the office building, according to an LAFD news release.
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The explosion broke some pipes, flooded a part of the constructing’s basement and rendered the fire-safety system inoperable, however the construction itself seemed to be sound, hearth division spokesman Brian Humphrey stated. Two of them were taken to the hospital for minor injuries. Two other people were checked at the scene but declined treatment.
The explosion caused a brief power outage at Staples Center, where a Shania Twain concert was taking place.
The building sustained water and electrical issues, but didn’t appear to sustain structural damage, Humphrey said.
At least 12 other businesses in the surrounding area, including possibly one hotel, were left without power Friday morning as a result of the late-night incident, DWP officials said. The agency said crews were working on restoring some service.
Beck said reports that the blast occurred in a basement generator that provides power to the building were untrue, because the building’s power generator is atop a parking structure across an alley from the building. The cause is under investigation.
Among the entities housed in the building is the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority.
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More than 160 firefighters responded and were able to quickly to extinguish the flames.
