UPDATED: Three seriously burned in accident at north Red Deer car wash

Three men suffered serious burns in a workplace accident in north Red Deer Friday afternoon. 

Two of them were in life-threatening condition while the third was in potentially life-threatening condition, according to Red Deer Emergency Services platoon chief Sheldon Christensen. 

A STARS Air Ambulance spokesperson says they flew a 34-year-old man to Foothills Hospital in Calgary Friday after 5 p.m. suffering from life-threatening burn injuries.

The incident took place at Lazer Car Wash at 6104 67A Street.

The three were handling a flammable chemical used to clean tires near an open flame when the explosion happened, Christensen said.

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It was initially believed that all three victims were employees at the car wash. However, the owner of the car wash, Heebo Jo told Global News two of the men were employees while the third may have been there for a job interview. 

Another worker at the car wash, who did not share his name, told us he was in the staff room with three or four others when he heard an explosion

He says he then started running down the hall, which was filling with black smoke, toward the work bay where the explosion occurred.

When he opened the door to the bay, the worker says he saw more black smoke and then the three victims running outside, still on fire, in a desperate dash for help.

Staff members extinguished the fire caused by the explosion and did their best to help the victims until emergency crews could arrive. 

Red Deer Fire Investigation, Occupational Health and Safety and Red Deer RCMP are investigating the explosion, which has been deemed to be non-criminal in nature.