N.J. woman dies after mistaking lamp oil for juice

An 84-year-old woman died at a Burlington County hospital Monday night two days after drinking tiki torch lamp oil she had mistaken for apple juice.

An 8-year-old girl from North Jersey made the same mistake earlier this month and was hospitalized in critical condition for several days. The child survived but suffered serious injuries to her lungs.

Four other New Jersey residents have been sickened since May by accidentally drinking the amber liquid.

"Lamp oil bottles closely resemble juice containers and the colors of those fluid is indistinguishable from juice," said Bruce Ruck, spokesman for the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System.

When consumed, it causes coughing and choking which sends the volatile liquid into the lungs. Pneumonia and death often result, he said.

"If you drink it by accident, don't stick you finger down your throat, that will make it worse," Ruck said. "Don't drink a lot of fluid. That will make it worse. Immediately call a poison center. Depending on the scenario and symptoms, we can help them make a decision."

A regional poison control switchboard can be reached by residents of both New Jersey and Pennsylvania, he said. Call 1-800-222-1222 for any suspected poisonings or other drug or poison information.