An explosion near the Chabad House in Santa Monica, Calif., apparently was caused by an industrial accident, according to reports.
Firefighters told local reporters that someone, apparently trying to remove a large pipe that was stuck in concrete, mixed together products that created pressure and an explosion near the Chabad center Thursday morning. A pipe-like device was propelled into a home behind the Chabad center. No injuries were reported.
Officials are calling it an industrial accident and are interviewing the person responsible.
Police evacuated several blocks surrounding the downtown Chabad center to investigate. Nearly 100 people were evacuated, including worshipers at the Chabad House who finished their prayers outside.
The Chabad director took the center's Torah scrolls with him when he was evacuated, Chabad.org reported.