One of our neighbors, the Sotelo family of Chino Hills suffered a tragic accident on 11/16/2025 when their home exploded after an apparent gas leak. The family had just returned home and one of the children turned on a lamp. The explosion blew out windows and launched the home's garage door across the street into a neighbors yard. Shortly after, the debris caught fire and flames could be seen burning under a block wall to the street.
4 family members were transported by ambulance to a nearby burn center and 4 others self transported to the hospital. Several victims have suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns and one patient has been intubated.
UPDATE: A second child was just intubated at 11:30 a.m.
The Sotelo family has been displaced and are currently staying in a hotel room. This was a leased home. Needless to stay, their needs are huge. They will need funds to keep a roof over their head as well as find a new place to call home.
They also have 3 dogs which are being held by nearby neighbors who will also need to be boarded till they are able to locate stable housing.
All donations will go directly to the mother of the family. Your help and prayers will be greatly appreciated. We know our community is amazing when it comes to helping each other.
Laura Leland Montague

