UPDATE 10AM: A 57-year-old man is in a serious condition after suffering burns in a suspected P-lab explosion in Mount Maunganui early this morning.
A section of Ocean Beach Road between Concord Avenue and Girven Road is closed after the explosion.
Occupants of 10 houses in the vicinity of Ocean Beach Road were evacuated from their homes and have been told to stay away from the area until it is safe for them to return.
Firefighters and police are at the scene of a suspected meth lab explosion on Ocean Beach Road in Mount Maunganui. Photos: Tracy Hardy.
A section of Ocean Beach Road is closed after a suspected meth lab exploded. Photos: Tracy Hardy.
Around six appliances from Mount Maunganui, Tauranga and Greerton were called to a house fire on Ocean Beach Road around 3.20am.
Police say a section of Ocean Beach Road will remain closed for most of the day as they investigate the suspected methamphetamine lab.
The 57-year-old man who was injured in the explosion has now been transferred to Waikato Hospital from Tauranga Hospital. It is understood he is in a serious condition after suffering burns.
A second man fled the house and was picked up by police at a nearby address, says a statement from police.
'He is currently helping police with their enquiries.
'A Clan Lab team from Auckland will be attending this morning to begin a specialist scene examination”
Police are advising motorists to use alternative routes until the investigation of the area is complete and the road is re-opened.
A 57-year-old man injured in the explosion was taken to Tauranga Hospital before being transferred to Waikato Hospital's serious burns unit.
A diversion is currently in place.
Anyone with information about drugs or other offending are asked to contact their local police.
Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Do you have information, have photos or video?
Email newsroom@thesun.co.nz or phone 0800 SUNLIVE.
A house behind these trees has been blocked off. Photos: Tracy Hardy.
A specialist hazardous decontamination unit is at a Mount Maunganui property.
6 comments
hospital funding
Posted on 23-04-2013 08:23 | By hapukafin
Here we go again,someone getting injured committing a crime getting immediate treatment in hospital and wasting money and time which could be used to treat another deserving tax payer.
Thinking time
Posted on 23-04-2013 09:10 | By penguin
The guy with burns will have plenty of painful thinking time to reflect on his stupid activity.
No Sympathy.
Posted on 23-04-2013 10:55 | By prudence
If he is guilty of manufacturing that evil drug then he should be made to pay all the expenses he has incurred at the taxpayers expense!!
broke
Posted on 23-04-2013 12:27 | By VICTOR1
You never know, he could have been ripped off by bluechip or one of the other ripoffs and is trying to make some money for his retirement! Yeah right lol.
Karma
Posted on 23-04-2013 20:02 | By usandthem
What these low lives produce wrecks countless lives and families.Hope he suffers heaps.What goes round comes round
:)
Posted on 27-04-2013 01:58 | By Johnnyredneck
You are all heart, I bet the drug dealer is kinder than all of you.
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to make a comment.