Chino Valley News, March 1, 1978
CAN OF ENGINE STARTING FLUID EXPLODES IN CAR; MAN BURNED
An aerosol can of engine starting fluid on the floor of a Volkswagen Bug close to a heater vent blew up as the car traveled on Central Ave. about 6:15 p.m. Monday, resulting in severe burns to the driver, David M. LaRue, 33, of Norco.
The blast blew out the rear window of the car, more than 100 feet south of where the Volkswahen struck the rear of another car, and set the inside of the car on fire. The collision jammed the right door shut trapping Mr. LaRue inside. Fireman had to use the Hurst "Jaws" tool to open the door and remove Mr. LaRue, whose clothes were on fire.
He was taken to the San Bernardino County Medical Center burn ward with third degree burns over 27 to 30% of his body. The police said Mr. LaRue was blinded and suffered lung damage from inhaling flames. He was listed in extremely critical condition. In addition to his face, Mr. LaRue had burns on his hands, arms and thighs.
Chuck Smith, who operates a service station across the street, at Central and Philadelphia, said he heard an explosion and saw the Volkswagon traveling north with someone inside waving his hands as if to put out the flames.
The Volkswagen stopped near the intersection of Central and Philadelphia where it hit the rear of a car driven by Anthony G. Avitable, 18, of 12450 Marshall, who was stopped at the Philadelphia traffic light. Mr. Avitable was admitted to Chino General Hospital with neck and back pains.
The Fire Department warned motorists that cans of starter fluid should never be stored where temperatures reach 120 degrees. Starting fluid is extremely volatile. Cans stored in car trunk, glove compartment, or on the back window ledge are subjected to extreme heat and can explode.
Note: David Michael LaRue passed away on March 10, 1978, 10 days after the explosion. He was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California. Visit his Find A Grave Memorial.
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