Explosion Shakes Los Angeles High-Rise, 2 Hospitalized

The blast caused a power outage at the Staples Center.

ByABC News
August 21, 2015, 7:09 AM

— -- An explosion shook the basement of a Los Angeles high-rise, leaving two people hospitalized, authorities said.

The explosion was reported at 10:10 p.m. at a 19-story building on Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey said in a statement.

A fire broke out at the site, and about 160 firefighters helped to contain the fire, Humphrey said.

The cause of the blast is unknown, but a building generator is believed to have been involved.

Two people were hospitalized, while two others received minor injuries but did not seek treatment, according to the statement. None of the injuries are considered life-threatening.

The building sustained water and electrical issues, but didn’t appear to sustain structural damage, Humphrey said.

The blast caused a momentary power outage at the nearby Staples Center during a Shania Twain concert, but power was quickly restored.