On Tuesday, December 30, the City of Rancho Cordova will host a community meeting to inform residents the activities that have taken place since last Wednesdays horrific explosion that leveled one home and destroyed two others. The explosion fatally injured one man and left five others still hospitalized in varying conditions.
The meeting will be held at Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Dr., at 6:30 pm and will include discussions from the City Council, Rancho Cordova Police, Sac Metro Fire, and PG&E. After the explosion occurred at approximately 1:35 pm, City staff from Code Enforcement, Housing and the City Manager’s office were on the scene along with City Council members, Rancho Cordova Police, and the Sacramento Metro Fire Department. City Code Enforcement ruled that the two adjacent homes were to be red tagged due to health and safety concerns, but the other homes in the area were safe for re-entry.
Mills Middle School was set up as an evacuation center for families that were displaced from their homes. The Red Cross has provided shelter for those who needed it.
The site was turned over to PG&E to conduct their investigation. Acting City Manager Curt Haven and Vice Mayor Ken Cooley walked door to door updating residents and ensuring that their homes had gas for heating and cooking. The City had also arranged for housing for residents who did not feel it was safe to return to their homes. Mitchell Middle School will be open on Monday for those who are concerned about remaining on site during the on going investigation.
To summarize the feelings of many residents in Rancho Cordova, Acting City Manager Curt Haven released the following statement:
“On behalf of the City of Rancho Cordova, we are deeply saddened about this tragic accident. That it happened on Christmas Eve only worsens a horrific occurrence. Our hearts go out to the victims still suffering from both physical and psychological wounds. Our prayers for a full recovery go out to our two neighbors, Sunny and Kim Dickson—and their families–still hospitalized.
Our City Staff and Council Members have been very attentive to the immediate and long-term needs of the residents as a result of the explosion. We have met with as many people face-to-face as we could locate. We have attempted at every step to provide comfort and solace. We understand that those who witnessed the accident are injured emotionally as well and we are doing whatever we can to provide solace.
We plan to work closely with the agencies in charge of the investigation to ensure a seamless process and effective communications with the community.”
