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North Plainfield Police Department

Press Release

Chief William Parenti

January 21 , 2015

On Wednesday, January 21, at 1:38pm, Chief Parenti announced that the North Plainfield Police and Fire Departments were dispatched to apartment 85 at 1165 Route 22 West, for a burn victim. First responders found James Evans, 67 year of age, with serious burns to his face and hands.

Paramedics from JFK Hospital, Edison, also responded. Due to the nature of the injuries, the victim was airlifted by the New Jersey State Police air ambulance, North Star, to the burn unit at Saint Barnabas Hospital, Livingston.

While the matter is still under review, it is believed an accident occurred with a home style medical canister of oxygen. There was a witness present that observed flames coming out of the line attached to the canister. The witness shut the canister off and alerted authorities by calling 911.