Local News in Brief : Man Burned in Explosion

A Hollywood man was severely burned early Monday when he disconnected a gas line from his stove, causing an explosion in his apartment, officials said.

The man’s next-door neighbor, a 67-year-old woman, suffered minor injuries in the blast when plaster fell on her, according to Jim Williamson, a spokesman for the Los Angeles Fire Department.

The 12:04 a.m. explosion ripped through the second floor of the building at 5234 W. Melrose Ave., causing several windows to shatter and setting off a minor fire that Williamson said was quickly extinguished by firefighters. Damage was estimated at $50,000.

The name of the burn victim, who is about 65, was not released. He was taken to Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center, where hospital officials said he was in critical condition with burns over 40% of his body.