Illegal drug manufacturing causes Tracy apartment explosion | News

TRACY, CA - The explosion was so big that it shook the surrounding apartments and tenants raced outside to see three people on fire.

"It was a loud boom and the whole building shook. I know everyone felt it," said Paradise Apartments tenant, Mike McClinton.

"I saw two people that were on fire: hair, head, everything," said assistant manager for the apartments, Sandy Venson.

"I saw a guy fly out the window backwards," said tenant Vincent Martinez, who rushed to the aid of the three.

Two men and one woman survived the blast inside the first floor apartment, but suffer from severe burns over their bodies. According to Tracy police, the three people inside were converting marijuana into Butane Honey Oil or hashish when the first explosion occurred in the kitchen.

"It's a very dangerous process," said Patrol Sgt. Tony Sheneman.

"The butane fumes are extremely flammable and any spark can cause a fire."

Tenants rushed outside after the first explosion happened after nine Friday evening. A second explosion went off in the livingroom shortly before firefighters arrived. No other tenants were hurt in the explosions and no other apartment was damaged.

The three people injured in the blast are being treated at UC Davis Burn Center. Police have not made any arrests, but said the three could be facing charges for drug manufacturing.