By Jonathan Phelps
The Eagle-Tribune
METHUEN, Mass. — An 18-yearold Methuen man was airlifted to a Boston hospital Friday night after being badly burned pouring gasoline onto a backyard campfire, police and fire officials said.
Police Chief Joseph Solomon said the teen was transported to the hospital in serious condition. No update on his condition was available yesterday.
The victim’s name was not released as of last night because police were still trying to notify the his parents, who reportedly were on vacation, Solomon said.
Police and EMTS responded to 1 Hayes St. after receiving a 911 call at 9:51 p.m.
Deputy Fire Chief Sean Nartiff said the fire had died down to embers when the man put some brush down and poured gasoline onto it. “The fire flashed up and the gas can exploded,” Nartiff said.
Nartiff said the teen suffered from second- and third-degree burns on approximately 50 percent of his body. He was conscious and alert when emergency responders arrived, he said.
The teen was initially brought to Lawrence General Hospital, where the helicopter was waiting to bring him to Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.
Solomon confirmed the teenager is from Methuen, but the accident happened at a friend’s house. The teen is not currently attending any on the city’s public schools, he said.
He said there was a group of about five people — including adults — around the fire and two friends were able to get the teenager to roll on the ground to extinguish his clothes.
“It was just a regular friend and family bonfire,” Solomon said. “Unfortunately, this tragic event occurred which will have lifelong ramifications.”
Solomon cautioned people not to pour lighter fluid or gasoline onto embers or an open flame.
A woman who answered the door at 1 Hayes St. yesterday morning declined comment.
From the street, a fire pit with a half burned pile of brush could be seen in the side yard with a garden hose stretched across the yard.
Copyright 2012 The Eagle-Tribune