EL MONTE — A man was fighting for his life at a hospital Friday after he was found with severe burns to 80 percent of his body in what police were investigating as an automotive repair accident, authorities said.
The man was found at Fletcher Park, 3404 Fletcher Ave., shortly after 1:20 p.m. Thursday, El Monte police Lt. Dan Burlingham said.
Based on witness statements and the initial investigation, police believe the man was working on a car at Pioneer Park, just a few hundred yards to the north, when he somehow caught fire, the lieutenant said. The burned man then rode a bicycle to Fletcher Park, where he was discovered.
Investigators suspected he made the bike ride while in a state of shock.
He was taken to Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center for treatment, Lt. Michael Buckhannon.
He remained listed in “very critical” condition Friday, Burlingham said. He remained unconscious, and police had not been able to get a statement from him.
The investigation by El Monte police and Los Angeles County Fire Department officials remained ongoing.