Watch CBS News

Duluth Woman's Burns Were Self-Inflicted, Police Say

DULUTH, Minn. (WCCO/AP) -- Duluth police say the severe burns suffered by a woman found on fire last week were self-inflicted.

The 24-year-old Duluth woman was found on fire in a car along Highway 23 in the Fond du Lac near the Lake Superior College Fire Training Center Thursday. Lake Superior College officials tell WDIO-TV the woman was not a student or teacher.

Authorities say the woman suffered critical, life-threatening burns and was taken to a Duluth hospital.

A passer-by saw the woman on fire and extinguished the flames.

In a statement, police say they will not be releasing any more information out of respect for the victim and her family.

"All deaths or potential deaths are investigated by the Duluth Police Department until it can be determined if a matter is criminal or not, this incident is no different and at this time we have determined this was self-inflicted. The victim is still in critical condition at a Minneapolis hospital. We are not able to make more of a statement at this time. This incident continues to be under investigation."

A criminal investigation was initially opened after the incident.

(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.