Man, 82, Tried To Siphon Gas From Car With Vacuum - Burned

[matcom]

<snip>

An 82-year old Glen Burnie man was transported to the Bayview Burn Center in Baltimore this morning after trying to siphon gas from his car with a vacuum cleaner while the engine was running.

Hospital officials refused to release a status report, but fire officials said he suffered first- and second-degree burns to 20 percent of his body, primarily to the left side of his abdomen, chest, hands and face.

"The vacuum not withstanding, it's not advisable to siphon gas while the car is running," said Lt. Russ Davies, spokesman for the county fire department.

He added that the fire could have spread to the gas tank, blowing up the entire vehicle. "It certainly would have been possible," he said.

According to Lt. Davies, the man had locked his keys inside the vehicle last night while it was still running. Unable to get them out, the man left the car running in his driveway at 212 Benmere Road and went to bed only to find the vehicle still idling when he awoke this morning.

Determined to stop the car, the man pulled out an electric vacuum cleaner around 7:30 a.m.

Lt. Davies explained the vacuum cleaner's electric motor caused a spark and ignited the gas.

"You have to wonder what type of judgment was being used there," said Lt. Davies.

Police said the man lives with his son and daughter-in-law.

http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2005/06_16-13/TOP

[jeff30997]

1. LOL! What a genius.

[underpants]

2. Well that sucks

:bounce:

[DS1]

5. It's what people in the business call a "News Flash"

:evilgrin:

Flash! Oh look, news :D

[bleedingheart]

3. But yet people consistently put fuel in their cars with the engine running

I have personally seen people do this and even gone so far as to ask them to read the sign that states.."No Smoking -Turn off your Engine"

[Mutley]

4. Oh God, and he's from my state too.

This is when I need a smiley with his hand on his face and shaking his head.