Jay Leno is known for his love of expensive cars, and that hobby has caused him a tragic injury. Leno sustained “serious burns” to his face on Saturday after a gasoline fire erupted in his Los Angeles garage.
“I got some serious burns from a gasoline fire,” the 72-year-old former “The Tonight Show” host said in a statement provided to NBC News. “I am ok. Just need a week or two to get back on my feet.”
Someone close to Leno told NBC that the star was working in his garage when a flash fire from a car happened. The source said that Leno is physically ok, but there was some damage.
The source spoke to NBC and confirmed that he was in his garage when the accident happened. The flames shot up without warning and burned the left side of Leno’s face. His eyes and ears were not injured.
The friend also confirmed that the comedian was taken to Grossman Burn Center which is a medical clinic in Los Angeles after the incident. He is still there as of Nov. 14.
The Burn Center said in a statement that Leno was in stable condition and was being treated for his injuries.
“He is in good humor and is touched by all the inquiries into his condition and well wishes,” Aimee Bennett, the director of strategic communications, said in an email. “He wants to let everyone know he is doing well and is in ‘the best burn center in the United States.’”
The Burbank Fire Department responded to the accident and confirmed that officials were dispatched to the home on Nov. 12 at 12:28 pm.
Leno has canceled all his engagements for this week, including a performance by the host at The Financial Brand Forum (a financial conference in Las Vegas).
Leno is an avid collector of classic and high-profile cars. He returned to television after “The Tonight Show” with a show about cars and motorcycles called “Jay Leno’s Garage.”
