Oxygen Tank Ignites: Woman Horrifically Burned

A tragic accident occurred in Andover, Maine, where an elderly woman sustained horrific burns after her oxygen tank ignited. The incident happened around 10 p.m. when she was using a heated hair removal device, and it subsequently caught fire to the tubing of her supplemental oxygen. First responders initially took her to Rumford Hospital before she was airlifted to Maine Medical Center in Portland for more advanced care.

Authorities report that the woman suffered burns to her face and head. This incident underscores the critical dangers associated with using heat or flame sources near oxygen tanks. The American Lung Association strongly advises keeping all heat and flame sources at least five feet away and avoiding electrical appliances like hair dryers or curling irons while using oxygen.

Nationally, an average of 228 home fires annually from 2017 to 2021 involved oxygen administration equipment, resulting in approximately 96 deaths and 106 injuries per year. These statistics highlight the inherent risks, reinforcing the importance of strict safety protocols for individuals reliant on supplemental oxygen.