BAYOU LA BATRE, Ala. (AP) - Police say a suspected methamphetamine lab has exploded in a motel room severely burning one man.

Police Chief John Joyner said the unidentified man was hospitalized with burns to about half his body. He said two other suspects, who also were not identified, ran from the explosion and are being sought.

The explosion happened 4 p.m. Monday at the Bayou La Batre Inn and Suites. Joyner said it blew a 10-by-8 foot wall and picture window out of he front of a corner room, knocked in the back wall and collapsed part of the ceiling as well, sending debris at least 25 feet into the parking lot.

The motel said no guests were registered in adjacent rooms.

Joyner said ether was most likely the cause of the explosion.

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