YOUNGTOWN, Ariz., Jan. 31 (UPI) -- An 11-year-old boy burned over most of his body when he poured an accelerant on a backyard fire was in critical condition Sunday, authorities in Arizona said.
The unidentified boy's sisters said he poured gasoline or some other accelerant into the metal, wood-burning stove that was being used to keep people warm during a family gathering in Youngtown Friday night, AZfamily.com reported.
The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office said the accident occurred just as the boy's family was preparing to leave. Just as they noticed the boy wasn't around, they heard an explosion.
The boy was flown to the Arizona Burn Center at Maricopa Medical Center where he was listed in critical condition.
"When I arrived, it was pretty hard to look at," The Arizona Republic quoted police Sgt. Dave Evans as saying.
"This was just a tragic accident. I've been a cop for 13 years, and it was pretty bad". UPI
