Truck Explosion Near John Wayne Airport

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — A propane tank exploded inside a parked car critically injuring a driver in what authorities are calling a "suicide attempt."

The blast occurred just after 7:30 a.m. at the Main Street off-site airport employee parking lot near Main and MacArthur Boulevard, said Carrie Braun of the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

The victim, whose name was not released, had a propane tank in the truck that exploded, Braun said.

The man was taken to OC Global Medical Center in Santa Ana in critical condition.

Sheriff's officials stressed that the blast was not considered terrorism-related in any way.

Renee Schiavone Photo