Pat (00:00):
Now, comedian Jay Leno is known for his love of classic cars, but a recent accident with one of those cars sent the former Tonight Show host to the hospital with burn injuries. [inaudible 00:00:10] Laurie Perez is live in West Hills, where Leno is recovering. Evening, Laurie.
Laurie Perez (00:16):
Good evening, Pat. Hospital officials tell us that Jay Leno will remain here at the Grossman Burn Center for another night, the second night since being admitted Saturday with serious burns to his face and hands.
Jay Leno (00:31):
I’m pre-heating the pilot. Liquid gasoline comes in, hits the pilot, and it turns into a gaseous state.
Laurie Perez (00:39):
Sources tell Inside Edition this is the steam car Jay Leno was working on at his Burbank garage when it exploded in flames Saturday afternoon. It’s unclear what exactly caused it, but in this episode of his web show, Jay Leno’s Garage, where he highlights his famously massive car collection, he explained the risks of its restoration.
Jay Leno (01:00):
Because we have an open flame, and these get a little messy, we’re doing this one outside.
Laurie Perez (01:07):
Burbank Fire confirmed they responded to the 3,100 block of North Damon Way just before 12:30 Saturday and took a man to the ER. The Grossman Burn Center released a statement Monday saying, “Jay wants everyone to know he is in stable condition and receiving treatment for burns he received to his face and hands from a gasoline accident in his garage over the weekend. He is in good humor and is touched by all the inquiries into his condition and well wishes. He wants to let everyone know he is doing well and is in the best burn center in the United States.” In his own statement to Variety, the 72-year-old comedian said Monday, “I got some serious burns from a gasoline fire. I am okay. Just need a week or two to get back on my feet.” Rick Partita says Leno has stopped by his Burbank garage to talk shop. He told us about some of the dangers even experts face working with all kinds of classic cars.
Rick Partita (02:02):
Well, you always got to have a rag or something. Try to be safe as possible. Sometimes the carburetor itself will light up, and you have to be able to turn it off really quick.
Laurie Perez (02:11):
Have you had any close calls like that?
Rick Partita (02:13):
All the time.
Laurie Perez (02:14):
He says true car lovers safely face the risks for the reward.
Rick Partita (02:18):
It’s weird that that happened, but it’s not impossible. It could have happened with an old car.
Laurie Perez (02:26):
It’s unclear how long Leno will have to stay here recovering. He reportedly canceled all of his appearances through at least this week. We are live in West Hills. I’m Laurie Perez. Back to you.