HUNTSVILLE, Texas -- A convicted murderer was hospitalized after he suffered burns over more than half his body, KPRC Local 2 reported.

Texas Department of Criminal Justice officials said the 47-year-old inmate fell onto a barrel of hot water in the dish room of the prison early Wednesday.

The water spilled onto the inmate, who suffered second- and third-degree burns over more than 60 percent of his body, including his arms, back, legs and feet.

The inmate, whose name was not released because his family had not been notified, was taken by helicopter to Memorial Hermann Hospital for treatment.

Officials said the inmate has been serving a life sentence since 1987 for a murder in Harris County.