Firefighters in critical condition after California cylinder explosion

(KTLA) — A pressurized cylinder explosion left several firefighters injured in California on Thursday morning, including at least two who were taken to a hospital in critical condition.

The blast occurred shortly before 7 a.m. in Wilmington, about 21 miles from Los Angeles.

Firefighters had responded to a truck with pressurized cylinders that were on fire, a news alert from the Los Angeles Fire Department stated.

“An explosion on scene injured multiple firefighters,” the Fire Department said.

Three firefighters were transported to a local hospital, including at least two who were in critical condition.

Several other firefighters were injured, possibly as many as seven, and were being evaluated at the scene as they awaited additional ambulances.

One remaining cylinder appeared to still be burning as of 8 a.m. local time causing additional fire crews to keep a safe distance from the scene.

It was unclear what caused the cylinders to catch on fire.

It was also unknown if a driver or anyone else was inside the truck at the time of the explosion.

“This auto fire was reported to us about 13 minutes before the explosion occurred, so we hope he or she were clear of that but I have not gotten exact word about the driver yet,” Fire Department spokesperson Nicholas Prange said.

Motorists were asked to avoid the area.