Propane fuel system suspected in patrol car explosion

JEFFERSON - A patrol car erupted into flames in Jackson County, and the sheriff's office has suspended the use propane to power its vehicles.

Maj. David Cochran, chief deputy at the Jackson County sheriff's office, says officials have launched an investigation to determine if the fire was caused by a propane leak.

Jackson County's 63 patrol cars can run on either propane or gasoline.
Cochran says the fire occurred Monday morning north of Jefferson when deputy Gary Cox responded to a call.

Cochran says the interior of the car caught fire when the deputy lit a cigarette.
Cox was taken to Athens Regional Medical Center, where he was treated for burns to his face and arms. He was later released.