GROVETON, Texas (KTRE) - A Groveton woman was injured by an explosion early Tuesday when she tried to light a cigarette while on oxygen, Trinity County Sheriff Woody Wallace said.
The woman was airlifted to a hospital for treatment, Wallace said.
First responders received a 911 call around 4 a.m. Tuesday to the Senior Apartments in Groveton for a woman on oxygen who had attempted to light a cigarette, which caused an explosion.
Wallace asked the public to keep the woman in their prayers as she recovers. He also issued a safety reminder about the dangers of smoking and oxygen tank and hose use.
“Over the years, we have responded to several incidents involving people smoking while on oxygen, and unfortunately, these situations almost always end badly,” he said. “If you have older parents, grandparents, or loved ones who are on oxygen, please do not allow them to light a cigarette or have any open flame near oxygen hoses or tanks. This simple precaution can save lives.”