3 people hurt in suspected drug house explosion, Monrovia police say

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Three people remained hospitalized Monday after an explosion at a Monrovia home that police said they believe was sparked by drug production.

Firefighters were called to the scene in the 200 block of Walnut Avenue about 5 a.m. Sunday, KTLA reported. When they arrived, they found three men in their 20s, all suffering from burns, the station said.

Two other people escaped from the home through a back door, Monrovia police Sgt. Don Newton told the television station. They were not hurt, he said.

Authorities said they found dozens of canisters filled with butane fuel inside the home. Butane can be used to extract tetrahydrocannabinol -- THC, the main psychoactive chemical in pot -- from marijuana to make a stronger type of the drug.

‘A lot of butane,’ Newton told KTLA. ‘Apparently because of that, a spark hit and exploded.’

Authorities also found grocery bags filled with marijuana leaves inside, KTLA reported.

Genia Mills, a neighbor, told the television station the news was ‘unsettling.’

‘This is pretty much a quiet neighborhood, ordinarily,’ she said. ‘This was something that happened that just kind of shook us all.’

ALSO:

Irvine police pick SUV as new patrol vehicle

Woman hurt when horse-drawn carriage overturns

Woman set afire in S.F. had dated the alleged attacker, police say

-- KTLA