News Release from: Washington Co. Sheriff's Office
MAN HOSPITALIZED AFTER HIS APARTMENT EXPLODES
Posted: November 30th, 2012 12:34 AM
Man Hospitalized after his Apartment Explodes
On November 29, 2012, at 7:18 p.m., Washington County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a reported explosion that caused heavy damage to an apartment and injured one man. Deputies responded to an apartment complex at 7540 SW Barnes Road in Sylvan. This is in the Enhanced Sheriff's Patrol District (ESPD).
Sheriff's Deputies arrived and found Nicholas Broms, 22, had extensive burns on the upper half of his body. Deputies determined that Mr. Broms was "cooking" hashish. Hashish is a derivative of marijuana and this process can increase the drugs potency. It is believed that Mr. Broms was using highly volatile and dangerous chemicals in the process. At some point the chemicals became unstable and produced a violent explosion.
The explosion caused extensive damage to the apartment which tore the back wall and windows completely out. There was furniture and other household items strewn over a 50 foot area out of the back of the apartment. Mr. Broms was the only person in the apartment at the time. He was transported by ambulance to the Oregon Burn Center at Legacy Emanuel Hospital. The hospital lists him in stable condition. Fortunately there was no one else injured in the explosion.
There were occupants from the three adjoining apartments that were evacuated to insure their safety from possible additional explosions or chemicals. There was a resident from another building that heard the explosion and assisted with extinguishing the small fires and rendered aide to Mr. Broms until medical assistance arrived.
The Washington County Clandestine Lab Enforcement Team was activated to clear the apartment of any potential hazardous chemicals or materials.
Although it was legal for Mr. Broms to possess marijuana, it is illegal to change the drugs composition or use it in such a way that places himself or anyone else in danger.
This case is still under investigation and there may be criminal charges filed in the future.
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