Driver injured after car catches fire in front of Multicare Valley Hospital

A Spokane area man sustained burns to 30 percent of his body Tuesday after he lit a cigarette while transporting open containers of gasoline in front of the Multicare Valley Hospital in Spokane Valley.

Before arriving at the hospital, the driver of the car stopped by a gas station to fill a few half gallon cans. The man stuffed paper towels into the spout of the gas cans and drove to Multicare Valley Hospital for an appointment. As he was driving away from the hospital, he lit a cigarette, igniting the fumes in his car, according to a news release.

Spokesman for the Spokane Valley Fire Department Craig Warzon said the vehicle was so damaged by the fire, he wasn’t able to determine its make and model.

Security personnel from the hospital transported the driver to the emergency room.