Man suffers critical burns in backyard fire in Pittsburgh's West End
A 34-year-old man suffered burns over 75 percent of his body in a backyard fire Friday night in Pittsburgh’s West End.
The fire and an explosion were reported about 10:45 p.m. in the 1200 block of Oakglen Street when the man apparently poured a large container of gasoline on a fire in a fire pit, according to Pittsburgh Public Safety officials.
An off-duty medic who heard the explosion ran to the scene and rendered aid until more help arrived. Officials didn’t identify the man, who was taken to a local hospital in critical condition.
The city’s Fire Investigation Unit, made up of investigators from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire and city police detectives, are investigating.
Jeff Himler is a TribLive reporter covering Greater Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Mt. Pleasant Area and Derry Area school districts and their communities. He also reports on transportation issues. A journalist for more than three decades, he enjoys delving into local history. He can be reached at jhimler@triblive.com.
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