Dec. 30--Hawaii County police are investigating a drug-related explosion in Puna Saturday night that severely injured a 30-year-old Keaau man.
The blast knocked out windows, melted plumbing fixtures and blew the doors off cabinets, police said.
The man was taken by private vehicle to the fire station, then by ambulance to Hilo Medical Center with third-degree burns. He was later transferred to an Oahu hospital.
Police said a loud explosion on 17th Street in the Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision was reported at 8:16 p.m. The blast occurred during the manufacture of a marijuana byproduct called butane honey oil, police said.
Police recovered 102 marijuana plants, more than an ounce of the butane honey oil and three e-cigarettes, and components used in manufacturing the oil.
Police are asking if anyone has information about butane honey oil labs to call police at 935-3311.
Anonymous tips may be made to CrimeStoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona.
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