Electrical Worker Suffers Burns in Explosion at Hotel

A hotel employee suffered first- and second-degree burns to more than 50% of his body when an electrical explosion occurred Wednesday morning as he was working on circuitry at the Torrance Hilton.

More than 400 guests were evacuated and housed in other Hilton hotels, a spokeswoman said. The hotel had been at full capacity when the accident occurred.

Dale Krug, 40, of Buena Park, was listed in critical condition at the regional burn unit of Torrance Memorial Medical Center, a spokeswoman for the hospital said.

Krug suffered burns to his face, chest and hands. He also is being treated for smoke inhalation. No other people were injured or taken to the hospital.

Firefighters received a call reporting smoke at the Hawthorne Boulevard hotel about 6 a.m.

The 11-floor structure, which lost electrical power, was evacuated by firefighters and hotel employees. The victim was found by firefighters in the parking lot.