Fire in Tijuana Store Causes Explosion That Injures 28, Wrecks 4 Businesses

A fire that started in a downtown leather clothing store caused an explosion that destroyed four businesses and injured at least 28 people, including firemen and police officers, officials said.

The cause of the early morning blaze and explosion Thursday remains under investigation, said Tijuana Fire Lt. Julio Orduno.

Injured were 18 firefighters, six municipal policemen, two members of rescue teams and two civilians, he said. All except the civilians were taken to the state workers’ hospital, where most were treated and released.

The injuries mainly were from burns, cuts or concussions from falling debris, Orduno said.

Six firefighters and one police officer who suffered burns that were described as moderate to serious remained at Itzticali Hospital overnight. Two of them were firemen who were listed in serious condition, Orduno said.

The fire started about 2 a.m., and was followed 20 minutes later by an explosion that rocked the area and caused the fire to spread to the other businesses, he said.