New Orleans child suffers severe burns after attempting viral fire challenge
A 9-year-old boy in New Orleans sustained burns covering more than 70% of his body while trying a dangerous online fire challenge.
A young boy, aged nine, was badly burned after participating in a viral "fire challenge" that involves setting oneself ablaze with household accelerants. The New Orleans Fire Department reported that the injuries affect over 70% of his body, leaving him in intense pain but alive. Fire Department Chief Roman Nelson and Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick appeared together in a video urging parents to talk to their kids about the dangers of extreme online trends.
They emphasized that the challenge poses serious health risks and should not be attempted. The department has not provided further comment to media inquiries.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the lethal risks of dangerous social-media challenges for children.
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