SACRAMENTO, CA – Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Sanger) today released the following statement regarding the Lemoore water tank explosion that occurred Monday:

“I first want to extend my deepest condolences to the wife and children of Dion Jones,” said Senator Hurtado. “The situation in Lemoore is heartbreaking, and both the Jones’ family and Jeremy Climer are in my thoughts. I hope that Jeremy makes a full recovery. Our office is ready to help the community of Lemoore and all those impacted by this tragic event.  The water tank explosion is a serious matter. This unfortunate and tragic event is also a reminder of the need to invest in water security. Water security is much more than access to clean water—it’s making sure that our water is preserved and secured in all ways to protect human life. We must work to prevent water related tragedies. Our office will continue to work with city officials as the investigation continues.”

On Monday, a water tank holding one and a half million gallons or water exploded in Lemoore, CA. The explosion left Jeremy Climer injured, and killed contractor Dion Jones. A state of emergency has been declared and residents are now under water restrictions that include: no watering lawns and no using hoses to wash vehicles or clean concrete. Water pressure is low and the city is operating out of three other wells to provide water to the city. Due to low water pressure, Kings County Fire will assist with structure fires.

Media Contact: Michelle.Sherwood@sen.ca.gov

About Senator Melissa Hurtado

Senator Melissa Hurtado represents a new generation of Latina leaders as the youngest woman ever elected to the California State Senate and a product of immigrant parents. Senator Hurtado represents the 14th Senate District and focuses on rural community issues that often go unheard — access to clean air and water, food insecurity and poverty, inequities in environmental policies, agriculture and access to health care. In July 2020, she was appointed to the national Biden Latino Leadership Committee alongside former Labor Secretary and current Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis – the only two California Latinas on the Committee.

For more information, visit Senator Hurtado’s Website here or find her on Twitter at @Senator_Hurtado

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