The old line was under repair for a leak. A subcontractor for the hospital was soldering and welding in a maintenance closet when a burst of oxygen ignited, Deputy Fire Chief Erik Enersen said, according to the report.
The oxygen line being replaced was the main feed to the hospital, according to the report. However, the hospital had a portable backup oxygen tank, so patients were not affected by the fire, said Harry Hahn, director of construction services.
The fire was reported at 8:04 a.m. About 35 firefighters from Tenafly, N.J., arrived within four minutes and put out the blaze within 20 minutes. The construction worker who was replacing the oxygen line was taken to the emergency room.
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