City worker suffer burns after vehicle catches fire

DOWNEY — A city of Downey public works employee suffered second degree burns Wednesday after his vehicle caught fire at the city maintenance yard.

The city-owned truck went up in flames at about 8 a.m., officials said. The driver suffered burns to his head, neck and chest.

Downey firefighters treated the worker as he was transported to a local hospital. He is currently listed in stable condition at a local intensive care unit burn center.

City officials have not released the worker’s name. The police and fire departments are conducting an investigation.

“On behalf of our entire Downey family,” I would like to express my deepest sympathies to our city employee injured in yesterday’s fire incident,” Mayor Rick Rodriguez said in a statement. “We are all deeply saddened and wish him all the best as he recovers from his injuries. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.”

This story was updated at 9:25 a.m. with details from the city of Downey and a statement from the mayor.