Press release from Eureka Police Department:

On 8-2-13 at about 9:41 pm, officers of the Eureka Police Department were dispatched to the 1100 block of Searles Street for a possible “gunshot heard” call. While responding Officers were updated that it was an explosion from a possible illegal “lab” at an apartment complex at this location.

Upon Officers arrival, they located an approximately two year old child with extensive burns about the body. The citizens with the child directed officers to a specific apartment, which was believed to be the source of the explosion and where the parents of the child were located. The child was released to Emergency medical personnel for treatment.

Officers contacted the parents of the child, who were exiting the apartment. The parents smelled of chemicals and had injuries consistent with burns. The parents were taken into custody. Officers entered the residence to check for further injured subjects and also to check for any further risks to public safety.

While officers were checking the apartment, they observed items consistent with a butane process hash extraction lab. They also located the area of the explosion/fire. Humboldt Bay Fire Department responded and assisted in the inspection of the apartment. Once police and fire personnel were satisfied there were no further safety concerns, the apartment was secured until a search warrant could be issued for the residence.

Both parents were transported to St. Joseph where they were treated for injuries they received from the explosion. The child was treated and will be transported by air to a “burn unit” in Sacramento.

This is an open investigation and further details will be released as they become available.