Two people were rushed to the hospital following an early morning fire at a motel just south of downtown, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
The fire broke out in two first floor rooms of the motel at I-10 and Roosevelt about 4:45 this morning. Fire crews said the motel was also being used an apartment residences.
Fire crews say it was largely confined to those rooms, although damage is extensive. They say the force of the explosion blew out a back wall of one of the rooms.
Its not immediately known what the extent of the injuries is that the two people suffered, but they were taken to the hospital 'priority one.'
Arson investigators are looking into the cause of the explosion, but a gas leak is suspected.