BURBANK : 3 Hurt, Businesses Damaged in Blasts

Three people were injured and five businesses damaged Wednesday when a leaking propane tank being used in a roofing operation at a Burbank mini-mall set off two explosions and a fireball.

The explosions, which occurred about 1:30 p.m., propelled a 62-year-old man, along with the fireball, into one of several businesses in the mini-mall at 1033 N. Hollywood Way, Burbank Fire Department Battalion Chief Ken Whittekiend said.

The blaze caused by the fireball was extinguished 30 minutes later and caused minor damage to the front of the building, Whittekiend said. Windows from four other businesses were shattered by the explosions.

No estimate of damage was available.

The propane leak possibly was ignited by a pilot light on a nearby tar machine in the mini-mall parking lot, Whittekiend said.

The 62-year-old man, an employee of one of the businesses, suffered a dislocated shoulder. He apparently had been standing near the propane-powered tar machine when the explosions occurred.

The man was transported to St. Josephs Medical Center. where he was listed in moderate condition, hospital spokeswoman Alicia Gonzalez said.

A woman also was treated for minor injuries at the hospital.

Paramedics treated another man at the scene. He did not require hospitalization, Whittekiend said.