Fans of comedian and former The Tonight Show host Jay Leno were shocked to learn that he was seriously burned in a gasoline fire on Sunday.
The comic is well known for being a car enthusiast and has an extensive collection of classic vehicles of his own. The accident in which he was burned occurred in a Los Angeles garage where he stores many in his collection.
Leno confirmed to Variety yesterday that while the accident was serious he is "okay" and in treatment at the Grossman Burn Center in Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley.
Leno told Variety:
“I got some serious burns from a gasoline fire. I am ok. Just need a week or two to get back on my feet.”
The Grossman Burn Center confirmed in a statement that Leno suffered burns to his hands and face in the accident.
The Grossman Burn Center's announcement also relayed a statement of thanks to fans from Leno, which read:
"He is in good humor and is touched by all the inquiries into his condition and well wishes..."
Leno also assured his fans he is in "the best burn center in the United States."
Though Leno has suffered injuries to his face, his eyes and ears are reportedly unaffected by the accident.
The accident was first discovered when Leno missed a scheduled stand-up performance in Las Vegas over the weekend due to an unnamed health issue. An email from the show's venue, The Financial Brand's Forum, to attendees stated:
"[Leno's] family was not able to provide us very many details, but there was a very serious medical emergency that is preventing Jay from traveling."
"All we know is that he is alive, so our prayers go out to him and his family tonight."
According to TMZ, the first outlet to report on the incident, the accident occurred because one of Leno's many suddenly erupted into flames for reasons that are as yet unknown.
On Twitter, people were horrified by the accident but glad to hear Leno is doing well.
Leno has hosted his own show about cars, Jay Leno's Garage, on CNBC since 2015, and also pens a regular column for Popular Mechanics magazine.
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