Man Sets Himself on Fire Near US Capitol

[t_co]

Man Sets Himself On Fire Near To US Capitol

A man set himself on fire in a part of Washington DC close to the US Capitol, local officials have said.

A fire official said a man has been flown to the hospital after suffering major burns.

Witnesses said they saw the man dump a red canister of petrol on his head and then set himself on fire.

One witness Vanessa Sink, wrote on Twitter: "Just witnessed the craziest thing ever... a man set himself on fire and danced down the Mall.

"A runner and passerby put the flames out. I didn't see him light the match, but I saw the flames engulf his body. It was incredible."

She said the man was picked up by a helicopter and transported to a medical facility.