Explosion in Santa Clara neighborhood sends two to hospital in serious condition

A late night explosion Wednesday, Nov. 26, in the Santa Clara neighborhood of Eugene left two with severe burns, Eugene Springfield Fire said in a statement.

Firefighters responded at about 11:45 p.m. to the 3900 block of River Road, where they found heavy damage to a shop and a blaze extending to nearby trees, according to fire officials and online dispatch records.

Fire crews soon found a resident with severe burns who was taken to a hospital in serious condition.

A few minutes after midnight, a second person with severe burns was located in an apartment on the 100 block of Santa Clara Avenue, about a mile and a half from the fire scene, according to Eugene Springfield Fire. The second burn victim also was in serious condition and taken to a hospital, fire officials said.

Firefighters quickly brought the fire under control, with the cause of the blaze and explosion under investigation by Lane Fire Authority.