A fire with an explosion at 743 Kohler St. shook downtown Los Angeles at noon
Three men were injured in an explosion when a heavy fire engulfed a business in the industrial district area of downtown Los Angeles on Saturdaysaid the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD).
The fire was reported around 12 p.m. at 743 Kohler St. and the firefighters began a defensive firefighting operation as soon as they arrived at the scene, making sure the flames didn't spread to neighboring structures, according to an LAFD alert.
Two of the injured suffered severe burns and were hospitalized in critical condition. A third person was hospitalized in stable conditions.
A total of 140 firefighters responded to what the department called a "major emergency fire" and put out the fire about an hour later. "The fire building was only seriously damaged by at least one explosion that occurred before the arrival of LAFD," said the Fire Department.
The burning structure was described as a business of a 50 foot by 100 foot plant in a row of commercial structures.
A photo posted by the fire department showed flames burning inside a small building with debris that covered the ground while firefighters worked. You could see a sign that said "Radix" in the building.
Several witnesses shared videos of thick smoke waving over downtown Los Angeles, and one described listening to a "big boom" and then seeing llamas.
It is not clear what caused the apparent explosion and fire. Firefighters ask that you avoid approaching the area while investigating the cause.
