Hilton Statement On San Diego Explosion

-- Hotels, 5/21/2008 12:00:00 PM

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., May 21, 2008 -- On Monday May 19th, shortly after 2 p.m. Pacific time a natural gas explosion occurred at the construction site of the Hilton San Diego Bayfront project. The incident centered on the fifth floor where gas is fed to the domestic water system. At this point the precise cause of the explosion is still under investigation.

During this unfortunate time, the foremost thoughts and concerns of Hilton Hotels Corporation are with those construction workers who were injured in the explosion and their families.

Due to the current stage of construction, Hilton Hotels Corporation has not yet taken possession of the property and as such is receiving information regarding the explosion from the facility’s builder Hensel Phelps.

A press release issued by Hensel Phelps on the afternoon of May 20th, 2008 stated, in part, the following:   “At this time it appears as though the damage, while extensive, was not structural and was confined to a small portion of the building…At this point Hensel Phelps is optimistic that this will not effect the opening date this fall.”

Additional information will be shared as soon as it becomes available.