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GoFundMe raises 13,000 for four people injured in Vancouver food truck explosion

4 Caminos restaurant and food truck owner Isabel Castellón, her son and two others were injured in the explosion

By Chrissy Booker, Columbian staff reporter
Published: December 23, 2024, 1:30pm

Four people were sent to a hospital with severe burns after a food truck exploded in downtown Vancouver.

The explosion occurred Dec. 15 inside the 4 Caminos food truck while owner, Isabel Castellón, her son, her partner and one other employee, were preparing to serve at a community event, Posada Navideña, at La Casita Art Gallery & Cultural Center, according to a GoFundMe.

All four were inside the truck at the time of the explosion and subsequently taken to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland for treatment, the GoFundMe states.

A representative for the family declined to comment further on Monday.

Two fire units were dispatched to the scene about 3:30 p.m., according to Vancouver Fire Department Capt. Raymond Egan.

“The fire crews found four people exiting the food cart as they arrived. There were three adults and one child who had serious injuries and were rushed to Legacy Emanuel,” Egan said. “In an event like this, the fire department would first render the scene safe, then we would turn the scene over to the Vancouver Fire Marshal’s Office.”

Egan said the cause of the explosion has not yet been determined. Efforts to reach the fire marshal’s office Monday morning were unsuccessful.

Community members started the GoFundMe to help the four people injured with medical costs, lost wages and daily expenses. As of Monday morning, it had raised $13,235 of its $20,000 goal.

“Isabel is a cherished and active member of our community, known for her incredible generosity,” organizers of the GoFundMe said. “As the owner of 4 Caminos, she has always gone above and beyond, never turning away anyone in need of a meal, even if they couldn’t pay. She constantly supports the community, other local businesses and youth, donating food and spreading love wherever she goes.”

Christian Barrios, owner of La Casita Art Gallery & Cultural Center, said he placed a painting of Isabel in his business and is praying for a speedy recovery, according to KPTV.

The cultural center plans to host a fundraiser on First Friday, Jan. 3, to help the family with recovery costs.

“Now, Isabel, her family, and her team need our support as they begin the long journey of recovery. Let’s come together to help them rebuild their lives and show them the same compassion they’ve always shown to others,” the GoFundMe states.

To donate, visit gofund.me/17ec9416.

Community Funded Journalism logo

This story was made possible by Community Funded Journalism, a project from The Columbian and the Local Media Foundation. Top donors include the Ed and Dollie Lynch Fund, Patricia, David and Jacob Nierenberg, Connie and Lee Kearney, Steve and Jan Oliva, The Cowlitz Tribal Foundation and the Mason E. Nolan Charitable Fund. The Columbian controls all content. For more information, visit columbian.com/cfj.

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