San Diego, CA – An explosion at the Heritage Inn Sea World injured three people on Wednesday. The victims were taken to a local hospital and treated for burns. One victim was reportedly injured seriously.
Initial reports about the Heritage Inn hotel explosion did not indicate a cause for the blast. Fox News is reporting that a drug lab was created inside the Sea World San Diego area hotel. One man ran out of the hotel, totally engulfed in flames. The explosion happened around 11:30 am local time, KTLA reports.
Heritage Inn explosion witness James Crout told U-T San Diego that a man was on fire with flames coming from his head and body as he exited the building.
The Sea World San Diego area hotel is also located near the Valley View Casino Center, according to the Heritage Inn website. When police officers and firefighters arrived at the three-story hotel, they saw screaming patrons and staff running out of the exits, ABC News notes.
Flames from the explosion reportedly spread to the second floor quickly. Firefighters were reportedly able to extinguish the blaze within minutes. It is currently unclear if the burn victims were staff or guests at the hotel.
Local drug task force and hazardous materials crews also responded to the Sea World San Diego area explosion. San Diego Fire-Rescue Department representative Maurice Luque stated that a man and woman inside the room where the explosion occurred said they were using methamphetamines.
A 30-year-old mother was reportedly asleep with her toddler on the same floor when the force of the blast woke her. She noted that the blast “blew into” her and the child, and she had to pick debris out of her hair.
Does the Sea World San Diego hotel explosion make you concerned about safety when traveling?
[Image Via Heritage Inn Sea World website]
