Smoking is dangerous to your health in more ways than you think.
An SUV exploded in the parking lot of a Van Nuys supermarket Thursday evening after a man tried to light a smoke inside, authorities said. Also inside: cans of butane, a highly flammable and explosive substance used as fuel for camp stoves, torches and lighters.
The man was burned but survived, authorities said.
Six firefighters and an ambulance were called to a parking lot in the 7200 block of Van Nuys Boulevard around 10:28 p.m., where they found the remains of a destroyed vehicle, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. They also found a man with burns, who was hospitalized in moderate condition, according to the LAFD.
The man, whose name was not released, told first responders he was trying to light a cigarette when the car exploded, according to CBS News.
The scene was turned over to the Los Angeles Police Department as there was no active fire, according to LAFD.
California Daily Newspapers
