Man Lit Self on Fire at Gas Station: Investigator

A man suffered burns to half of his body after lighting himself on fire outside a San Diego gas station, according to fire investigators.

This happened at a Kearny Mesa Shell Gas Station at 7785 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.

According to investigators, the man started fueling, took the gas hose into the front seat of his car and lit himself on fire.

Firefighters extinguished the flames, and paramedics rushed the patient to the UCSD Burn Center. He suffered second-degree burns to 50 percent of his body, according to fire officials.

Cell phone video from witnesses showed fire shooting from the vehicle and a bystander trying to throw water onto the flames.

Officials did not release the man's name but said he is from the Los Angeles area.

The incident remains under investigation.

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