Posted Friday, June 23, 2017 1:52 pm

The backpack of an Island Park teenager caught fire and exploded on Waterford Road before 10:30 a.m. on June 23, according to representatives from the Island Park Fire Department and Nassau County police.

The 16-year-old boy was transported to the field at Lincoln Orens Middle School, and then airlifted to Nassau United Medical Center in East Meadow after suffering second-degree burns to his back, according to IPFD volunteer firefighter Anthony D’Esposito. His condition is unknown at this time. Both D’Esposito and police said the incident was not being looked at as a crime.

Members of the Island Park Fire Department responded to the call at 10:54 a.m., D’Esposito said.

A spokesman for the Nassau County Police Department said the bag contained a liquid, which became hot and exploded, causing burns to the teenager’s back and arm.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.