Jay Leno may need skin grafts after a gasoline car fire left him with third-degree burns.
The former talk show host spoke to TMZ on Monday from the Grossman Burn Center in Los Angeles, where he is expected to stay for five to 10 days.
Leno, 72, broke down the incident with the 115-year-old vehicle he was working on, explaining that a fuel leak and a simultaneous spark in the 1907 White Steam Car triggered an explosion.
The “Jay Leno’s Garage” host credited his friend Dave with saving him after he was set on fire.
Leno’s pal jumped on him and smothered the flames.
The freak accident occurred on Sunday, with the Emmy-winning comedian missing a Las Vegas appearance that evening due to “a very serious medical emergency.”
Financial Brand Forum 2022 attendees were notified of his absence in an email that read, “His family was not able to provide us very many details, but there was a very serious medical emergency that is preventing Jay from traveling.
“All we know is that he is alive, so our prayers go out to him and his family tonight,” the statement concluded.
TMZ reported the following day that Leno had “serious” burns on his face and hands, although his eyes and ears were not injured.
Leno later assured fans that he was “OK,” telling Page Six in a statement that he “need[s] a week or two to get back on [his] feet.”
The “You Bet Your Life” host has been vocal about his love for classic cars over the years, showcasing his collection on “Jay Leno’s Garage” when the show kicked off in 2014.
Leno told the Daily Mail in February 2020 that he got his first car because he wanted to take nude photos of his then-girlfriend.
“When you got the film you had to find a place that would develop it that didn’t know your parents,” he explained. “So you had to go two towns over.”
The former “Tonight Show” host has been married to Mavis Leno since 1980.
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