An explosion Saturday at a hash oil manufacturer in the downtown area of Los Angeles left at least 12 firefighters injured, reported Fox News.
The explosion melted firefighters' helmets and set their coats on fire.
According to the city's fire department, firefighters had to go inside the building and climb onto the roof to try and knock the blaze. Suddenly, officials say they had to run for their lives as flames busted out of the building and scorched a fire truck across the street.
Captain Erik Scott of the Los Angeles fire department reported that all 11 responders suffered burn injuries and were taken to the hospital; three are in critical condition. Scott told reporters at the scene that all of the firefighters are expected to survive.
Scott added that some firefighters fleeing the scene were on fire and had to take off their protective equipment and leave it on the sidewalk. Officials also report that melted helmets were found as well.
"There was a significant explosion that caused a mayday report. This upgraded to a major emergency category," Scott said. "The good news is everybody's going to make it."
He shared that firefighters had the fire out in just over two hours.
When the explosion ended, first responders at the scene called for extra help. More than 230 firefighters responded to the scene.
On Sunday, it was reported by CBS News that 11 firefighters stayed overnight at the hospital. Four of them were placed in the intensive burn care unit and 2 required ventilators.
The twelfth injured firefighter was treated and released on Saturday.
By Sunday morning, three of the firefighters were released from the hospital while 8 remained at the location. 2 are in critical but stable condition.
LISTEN NOW on the RADIO.COM App
Follow RADIO.COM
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
