Pubdate: Tue, 25 Jul 2006 Source: Toronto Sun (CN ON) Copyright: 2006, Canoe Limited Partnership. Contact: http://torontosun.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/457 Author: Jack Boland, Toronto Sun Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) 2 CRITICAL IN DRUG LAB FIRE GTA pair airlifted to specialized U.S. burn unit Two men drove themselves to hospital after they were critically injured during a fire at a clandestine drug lab in Mississauga Sunday night. "What it appears to be is a methamphetamine drug lab," said Const. Jennifer Bryer of Peel Regional Police. "The chemicals used (to produce drugs) are pretty volatile and highly explosive." Bryer said one of the victims -- a 33-year-old, who may be a U.S. resident and rents the house -- is not expected to survive his injuries. The second victim -- a 45-year-old Toronto man -- is in critical condition. They were both airlifted from Credit Valley Hospital to Strong Memorial hospital in Rochester, N.Y., yesterday morning. Officials at Credit Valley Hospital said Strong Memorial was the closest hospital with available "burn bed" facilities. NEIGHBOUR SHOCKED Arun Saini, 55, who has lived directly across the street from the gutted home for eight years was stunned to hear what was found after fire broke out before 8:15 p.m. Sunday. "This is supposed to be a quiet street and neighbourhood. It is quite upsetting" said Saini, who didn't know the family of four who have rented the house for a year. Bryer said drug labs are more difficult to find, andpolice locate more in rural than in urban areas. "This is the first meth lab they have encountered in the past two years," Bryer said, noting Peel police dismantled at least 100 marijuana grow operations last year. Members of the Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services hazardous materials-handling team observed the home from a safe distance with binoculars. Police said it will be at least three days before they can investigate the crime scene. The Ontario Fire Marshal's office has also been called in. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek