MONROE TOWNSHIP, MIDDLESEX – A 78-year-old man was severely burned when a lighter he was using to burn ants ignited a container filled with gasoline, police said.

The accident occurred Friday afternoon on Metuchen Drive in the Clearbrook Park section of the township.

Police said the man used his lighter to burn ants off a log.

The gas container, which was near the man’s legs, caught fire and exploded, according to Acting Lieutenant Jason Grosser of the Monroe Township Police Department.

The victim, who was not identified, suffered severe burns to his legs, Grosser said.

The resident was flown out by Medivac to St. Barnabas Hospital for further evaluation and treatment of his burns.

Officials on Monday said they did not know the man’s condition.

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