6 Hurt in Explosion at City Heights Apartment Complex

Six people were hospitalized Tuesday following an explosion and fire at a City Heights apartment complex that is a home for many disabled people.

Among the injured were three residents who suffered smoke inhalation, two firefighters and one police officer.

Residents of the complex located at Menlo and Orange avenues evacuated immediately after hearing the blast at 3:18 a.m. Because the apartment building is a home for disabled persons, San Diego Fire-Rescue officials said many of the residents needed assistance from firefighters and police.

SDFD spokesperson Lee Swanson said one firefighter suffered smoke inhalation and one was treated for a minor burn. The police officer was hospitalized with smoke inhalation, he added.

The force of the explosion blew out windows in several units.

Firefighters said the tenant in one apartment was smoking near an oxygen tank, causing the fire.

No other information was immediately available.