CHESTER HILL – An accidental fire at a Chester Hill car dealership sent a service technician to the hospital Thursday.
State Police Fire Marshal Cpl. Thomas E. Josephson reported that Frederick Ridgway, 59, was working on a Mercury Cougar at Rider Auto on Walton Street Thursday morning. Ridgway had the car’s gas tank on a jack when it fell, along with a trouble light.
The light broke upon hitting the floor, igniting the gasoline fumes and plastic tank.
Ridgway’s clothing was also set on fire.
Other workers in the shop were able to put out the flames but not before the fire spread destroyed the car and insulation on the building’s ceiling.
Ridgway was taken to the Altoona Regional Health System trauma center and was then flown to a burn center in Pittsburgh. His condition is unknown at this time.
The fire’s cause is being listed as accidental.
The amount of damage caused in the fire is unknown, but Josephson reported that it is expected to exceed $50,000.
The Chester Hill Hose Co. fire chiefs aided Josephson in his investigation.