Explosion injures 5 in Truckee

TRUCKEE, Calif. - An unexplained explosion injured five residents Tuesday afternoon in the Henness Flats affordable apartments in Truckee, Calif.

Helicopters flew two of the injured, initially characterized as in serious and moderate condition, while the other three members of the household were taken by ambulance for burn-related injuries, said Truckee Police Lt. Harwood Mitchell.

The cause of the explosion is being investigated, said Truckee Fire Chief Bryce Keller. It appeared to be contained to one unit in the complex, he said, and the five people injured were in that unit. The unit's windows all were blown out, Keller said.

According to police scanner traffic, initial calls of an explosion came in about 3:45 p.m. The complex is located at 11929 Waters Way.

North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, Truckee Fire, Calfire, Placer County Office of Emergency Services, Northstar Fire and Truckee Police Department were among the responding units to the incident.

Truckee Donner Public Utility District, Town of Truckee Building Department and Southwest Gas personnel were also on hand.