LA County firefighter dies, another injured in explosion while battling truck fire in Palmdale quarry

At least one Los Angeles County firefighter, Andrew Pontious, was killed Friday while fighting a fire at a quarry near Palmdale when some sort of explosion occurred, fire officials said.

It occurred shortly after 2 p.m., prompting crews to be dispatched to a truck fire in the area in the 6500 block of East Avenue, a quarry near Pearblossom Highway, the Los Angeles County Fire Department said.

The cause of the explosion is still unclear; investigations are ongoing.

A second firefighter was taken to a nearby hospital for injuries sustained in the explosion, according to LACoFD Chief Anthony C. Marrone. They are expected to be released later Friday.

According to the LACoFD, Pontious was a 19-year firefighter and a father and husband. He worked at Fire Station 93 in Palmdale.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Arson and Explosives Division of the Homicide Division is investigating the case.

What caused the fire and what exactly exploded is still unclear.

As SkyCal circled overhead, a huge Caterpillar front loader could be seen, with large flames and black smoke still rising from the engine compartment.

An American flag was hung over the victim’s body several feet from the vehicle, and firefighters continued to douse the vehicle with water from a distance for hours after the victim’s death.

This is a developing story. Check back later for more details.