Generator accident seriously burns man

A 54-year-old man suffered serious burns to 70 percent of his body Friday evening after a generator he was attempting to refuel ignited.

The incident, which occurred around 10 p.m. at SNZ Farms in Hauula, also resulted in a structure fire that caused about $1,000 in damage to the exterior of a one-story home. Occupants extinguished the fire by the time Honolulu Fire Department personnel arrived at 10:08 p.m.

Witnesses said the generator was used to power an air-conditioning unit in a chilling room.

No injuries were reported at the scene. Fire officials were later informed that the man who was refueling the generator had checked himself in at Kahuku Medical Center.

A fire investigator was able to interview the man, who was later transferred to Straub Clinic and Hospital for treatment of his burns. Investigators are still trying to determine how the fire started.