Crime & Safety

Nursing Home Patient Smoking On Oxygen Causes Explosion: Authorities

The New Milford patient suffered minor burns to his face and neck.

NEW MILFORD, N.J. — A fire broke out at the Woodcrest Health Care Center after a patient was smoking in bed while on oxygen, authorities said.

The fire department responded after there were reports of an explosion at the nursing home, fire officials said.

Firefighters were met with heavy smoke on the second floor, caused by the explosion, officials said.

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Although there was no fire, the patient was taken to Hackensack University Medical Center with minor burns to his face and hands, officials said.

Units from the River Edge and Oradell fire departments assisted at the scene.

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