Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Authorities believe a couple attempting to extract oil from hashish likely caused an explosion that gutted part of a hotel near SeaWorld in San Diego and sent guests running for safety.

A fire was reported at the three-story Heritage Inn Sea World Hotel shortly before 11:15 a.m. Witnesses reported hearing an explosion and seeing a man who was burned.

Flames spread from the second floor of the hotel but the blaze was mostly under control within minutes.

Police said a 22-year-old man who was in the room where the explosion occurred suffered serious injuries. Another woman, who was in the room, also was injured as well as a man in a nearby room.

Lt. Joseph Ramos also said investigators found several boxes containing canisters of butane inside the room.