2 workers hurt after paint fumes ignite in Sacramento’s River Park apartment explosion
Two workers were injured Tuesday afternoon after an apparent explosion inside a Sacramento apartment shattered windows and prompted an emergency response, officials said.
The incident occurred shortly before 2 p.m. in the 5400 block of Carlson Drive in the city’s River Park neighborhood. Three workers had been painting inside a unit when they heard and felt a loud blast, according to the Sacramento Fire Department.
One worker suffered burns to his face and hands and was taken to a hospital. A second painter suffered minor injuries but was not transported. The third was not hurt, said Sacramento Fire Department spokesperson Capt. Justin Sylvia.
He said that firefighters rushed to the scene but found no flames or smoke. The force of the explosion blew out windows in the two-story complex but did not appear to cause any structural damage.
The cause of the blast remains under investigation but initial reports suggested the unit’s pilot light may have ignited fumes. A PG&E spokesperson said crews were also called to assist in the investigation.
This story was originally published December 9, 2025 at 2:48 PM.
