A section of Ocean Beach Road in Mount Maunganui is expected to be closed for the best part of the day due to an explosion at a suspected methamphetamine lab.
The explosion occurred shortly before 4am at a house situated between Girven Road and Concord Avenue. Fire rescued a 57-year-old man from the address who has been taken to Tauranga Hospital with burns.
A second man fled the house and was picked up by Police later in the morning at a nearby address. He is currently helping Police with their enquiries.
The occupants of approximately 10 houses were required to evacuate their homes and they have all made alternative arrangements with family and friends until they are clear to return.
A Clan Lab team from Auckland will be attending this morning to begin a specialist scene examination and Police are advising motorists to use alternative routes until that work is complete and the road can re-open. A diversion is currently in place.
Anyone with information about drugs or other offending are asked to contact their local police.
Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.