Meth lab could have caused explosion

News9.com

TULSA, Okla. -- Tulsa authorities are investigating a large house fire, after firefighters found evidence of a homemade meth lab.

The incident happened just before 5 p.m. Sunday at a home near E 12 Street and Darlington Avenue.  At least one person was injured in the blast.

Tulsa Fire Captain Michael Baker said the victim was taken to a Tulsa hospital with second and third degree burns over 65% of the his body.  Baker said the man was listed in critical condition Sunday night.

Neighbors reported seeing cars leaving the area right before the explosion occurred.

"We're not for sure if they were just running from the explosion or if they were involved possibly in the explosion or the meth lab. So, we're investigating that and we're following up on those leads," Tulsa Police Sgt. Kurt Dodd said.

The exterior wall of the home was pushed out eight inches by the force of the explosion. Baker said the damage to the structure is estimated at $60,000, making the home a total loss.

A family living to the north of the residence was also evacuated from their home due to the potential for hazardous vapors or additional explosions.