Calderon is the only injured adult not employed at the ranch.Although the explosion caused the shed to catch fire others in the vicinity of the explosion were not injured.After an initial investigation the California Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) determined that the explosion was not related to work being done at the ranch but rather occurred during a social gathering.The torch and the barrel had been stored in the shed for about a month and were owned by someone not employed by San Cristobal, according to an OSHA statement.At least five of the victims lived at the ranch located close to Balcom Canyon. The explosion occurred about one-mile north of South Mountain Road near the banks of the Santa Clara River.
Ranch explosion victim dies, 5 others recovering from burn injuries
June 27, 2008
Santa Paula News
The man using a blowtorch to cut the lid off a 55-gallon drum that caused an explosion during a social event at an area farm died less than 24 hours after the incident that left five others injured.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesThe man using a blowtorch to cut the lid off a 55-gallon drum that caused an explosion during a social event at an area farm died less than 24 hours after the incident that left five others injured.Margarito Gonzales, 22, died about 7:30 a.m. Monday at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center from injuries he received in the accident, that occurred at San Cristobal Distributing, located at 20991 South Mountain Road.Gonzales was using a blowtorch to cut the lid off a 55-gallon drum containing a petroleum product at about 3:40 p.m. when the explosion occurred, injuring five others.Sergio Penton, 22, is in critical condition with burns over 35 percent of his body, and he remains hospitalized at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center.The four others were transferred to Sherman Oaks Hospital’s Grossman Burn Center where Luis Gonzales, 28, Daniel Calderon, 32 and Elizar Salazar, 24, are reported to be in serious but stable condition.Jasmine Salazar, 3, Elizar Salazar’s daughter, is listed in good condition.Elizar Salazar, Jasmine and Calderon have undergone surgery to remove dead tissue and Luis Gonzales was scheduled undergo the same procedure.
