Filipino immigrant seriously hurt in California house explosion; family seeks help

NEW YORK — A Filipino suffered severe injuries following an explosion in a backhouse in Long Beach, California.

Manny Fabrigas is currently being treated in the intensive care unit (ICU) after suffering third- and second-degree burns as a result of the blast.

According to Manny's wife, Sheila, he was doing laundry when the accessory dwelling unit located behind their house exploded.

The blast was so powerful it destroyed the family's house.

Sheila Fabrigas has since created a GoFundMe page where she provides updates on Manny's condition.

"My husband suffered severe 2nd and 3rd-degree burns across much of his body. He is currently in the ICU, fighting to heal. Our family, however, has lost everything. Our home, a symbol of years of hard work and sacrifice, is gone," she said.

As Filipino immigrants in the US, the Fabrigas family has worked tirelessly to build a life. On GoFundMe, Sheila shared the heartbreak of losing their home only a year after moving in.

Despite the devastation, Sheila expressed deep gratitude for their neighbors and the Long Beach Fire Department, who acted quickly in the face of the disaster:

"We are incredibly thankful that some of our neighbors were home and heard the explosion. Without hesitation, they rushed in and bravely pulled my husband from the flames. The Long Beach Fire Department arrived quickly and extinguished the fire, but the damage was already done," she said.

With their home completely destroyed, the Fabrigas family is seeking assistance to cover Manny's medical expenses and their basic necessities.

"Now, in the face of this heartbreaking disaster, we are humbly asking for help. My husband Manny faces a long and painful road to recovery, and the medical expenses are overwhelming. Meanwhile, our family is left without the basic necessities — food, clothing, and housing," Sheila said.

The cause of the explosion is still under investigation by the Long Beach Fire Department. —KBK, GMA Integrated News