TOPSHAM, ME — A 12-year-old boy suffered severe burns Friday evening when gasoline used to start a fire pit ignited, according to the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Topsham police responded to a residence on Coot Lane at approximately 5:30 p.m. March 27 following a report of a juvenile with burn injuries.
First responders found the boy seated on the front porch suffering from extensive burns to his body.
Emergency personnel transported him to Maine Medical Center in Portland.
He was later transferred to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he remains in serious condition.
A second juvenile present at the time was transported by a parent to a local hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation.
That individual was treated and released.
The preliminary investigation indicates the juveniles were attempting to start a fire in a fire pit when gasoline was used to accelerate ignition.
A flash fire occurred involving the gasoline can, resulting in fuel being spilled onto the 12-year-old and igniting.
The incident remains under investigation by the Fire Marshal’s Office.
