Press staff reports
SALLISAW – A Sparks man was burned Tuesday evening while trying to remove a gas can that was close to a generator on fire.
J.L. Gilbert, 60, suffered burns to his arms, legs and head. He was driving a 2003 Ford F-250 pickup on Interstate 40 and pulling a 24-foot enclosed trailer.
A Samaritan noticed smoke coming from the trailer, and notified Gilbert, who was headed west and was 6 miles west of Sallisaw. Gilbert pulled the truck to the shoulder and opened the trailer door to find the generator smoking.
He then attempted to remove a gas can that had been placed near the generator.
While he was trying to move the can it ignited, burning Gilbert.
The incident was reported at 5:44 p.m., and investigated by Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Sheldon Dobbs assisted by field training OHP Trooper Shane Allen.
