9-Year-Old US Boy Suffers Burns To 70% Of Body In Viral 'Fire Challenge': "He's In Unbearable Pain"

The fire challenge involves a person using a flammable substance, such as rubbing alcohol or acetone, to set themselves on fire before attempting to extinguish the flames.

Show
Quick Read
Summary is AI-generated, newsroom-reviewed

• A 9-year-old boy in New Orleans suffered burns on over 70% of his body from a fire challenge
• The fire challenge involves setting oneself on fire using flammable substances and then extinguishing it
• Officials warned children against peer pressure and participating in dangerous social media stunts

What long-term care do severe burn victims require?

A 9-year-old boy in New Orleans, Louisiana, suffered burns to more than 70 per cent of his body after reportedly attempting the dangerous social media trend known as the fire challenge. The incident has prompted local officials to warn parents and children about the potentially life-threatening risks of such online challenges.

New Orleans Fire Department Chief Roman Nelson described the boy's injuries in a video released on Monday alongside New Orleans Police Department Chief Anne Kirkpatrick.

"He is in unbearable pain and lucky to be alive," Nelson said.

According to a 2016 report published in the National Library of Medicine, the fire challenge involves a person using a flammable substance, such as rubbing alcohol or acetone, to set themselves on fire before attempting to extinguish the flames. The dangerous trend has been linked to serious burn injuries.

Kirkpatrick urged children not to give in to peer pressure or participate in such stunts for social media attention.

'Kids, don't fall for this gimmick and don't feel peer pressure to take part in it," she said, warning them against taking part in challenges that could put their lives at risk.

Nelson also called on parents to speak to their children about the dangers of online trends and other extreme behaviours promoted on social media. He urged families to take such challenges seriously and help children understand their potentially fatal consequences.

The incident comes months after a teenager in Pennsylvania was seriously injured while attempting a social media fire-breathing challenge in March.

The teenager, from Pitcairn, suffered burns to his face and chest after reportedly attempting the stunt involving isopropyl alcohol. He was intubated and received medical treatment, according to a report by ABC 7.

Al Hussey, the Wilmerding Borough fire marshal, urged parents to monitor their children's access to household products and ignition sources, warning that everyday items can become dangerous when misused in online stunts.

Got a follow‑up question on this article? Go on

• What are social media platforms doing to stop dangerous viral challenges?
• Can social media companies face legal liability for harmful online trends?
• How do schools educate children about the dangers of social media?

How may i help you today

Show full article

Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world

Follow us:
US Boy, Fire Challenge Trend, Boy Suffers Burns