An explosion in downtown Los Angeles at a hash oil manufacturer left 11 local firefighters injured while trying to reduce the flames from inside the building.
Firefighters responding to the fire on Saturday had to run through a wall of flames as high and wide as 30 feet after an explosion rocked the building around 6:30 p.m. local time. Others who were on the roof to try and combat the fire had to scramble down a ladder that was engulfed in flames.
“One of the worst scenes I’ve seen,” Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Erik Scott said.
More than 200 firefighters were at the scene, and dozens of engines, trucks, and rescue vehicles clogged the streets. The fire had spread to several nearby buildings, but firefighters were able to diminish the fire within an hour.
The 11 firefighters suffering from burns range from minor to serious injuries. Three are listed in critical condition while two are on ventilators. All are expected to survive.
“The good news is everybody’s going to make it,” Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said.
The cause of the fire is being investigated.
