The man found dead in a burning dumpster in Queens appears to have accidentally set himself on fire while trying to keep warm, police said.
But police believe the victim was homeless and was trying to keep warm on Jan. 5 when he used a lighter while inside the dumpster and was either burned to death or overcome by smoke.
The city’s medical examiner is conducting an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
Firefighters were called to the scene at North Conduit Ave. near Springfield Blvd. just before 7 a.m. and quickly put out the flames.
When they saw the dead man, police were called. The lighter was found near his body, police said.
Cops have tentatively ID’d the victim but have not publicly released his name or age yet.
