A 9-year-old Louisiana boy is lucky to be alive after a terrifying social media challenge left him with burns covering approximately 70 percent of his body, prompting an urgent warning from police and fire officials.
The child, whose identity has not been released, suffered devastating injuries while reportedly attempting the so-called “fire challenge,” a dangerous internet stunt that has sent other children to hospitals across the country.
New Orleans Fire Department Chief Roman Nelson revealed the shocking extent of the boy’s injuries in a video alongside New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick.
“He is in unbearable pain and lucky to be alive,” Nelson said.
The challenge encourages participants to deliberately set themselves on fire and attempt to extinguish the flames before suffering serious injuries. The dangerous stunt has circulated online for more than a decade, despite repeated warnings about its potentially deadly consequences.
“It’s very dangerous. It is not fun, and it is not funny,” Kirkpatrick warned.
Officials have not disclosed exactly when the latest incident occurred, where the boy was injured or whether he remains hospitalized. His long-term prognosis has also not been made public.
But the severity of his injuries has alarmed authorities, who fear other children could be tempted to imitate similar stunts after encountering them online.
“Kids, don’t fall for this gimmick and don’t feel peer pressure to take part in it. Your life is not worth it,” Kirkpatrick said.
The horrifying incident is far from the first time the notorious challenge has left a child fighting to recover.
In August 2018, 12-year-old Timiyah Landers suffered second- and third-degree burns across roughly half her body while attempting the same challenge with friends at her Detroit home.
Her mother, Brandi Owens, was resting when she heard a sudden noise and discovered her daughter engulfed in flames.
The young girl was rushed to a hospital, where she required intensive treatment. She initially needed a ventilator, and her injuries were so extensive that doctors expected a lengthy recovery.
Timiyah eventually returned home after nearly two months in the hospital. She later spoke publicly about her experience, hoping to discourage other children from repeating her mistake.
The dangers of the challenge have also attracted attention from medical researchers. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Burn Care & Research documented serious injuries associated with the online stunt, including a 17-year-old patient who required skin grafting.
Researchers warned that videos showing seemingly less serious outcomes could give viewers a dangerously misleading impression of the risks.
Now, with another child suffering extensive burns, New Orleans officials are pleading with parents to take the warning seriously.
“Parents, pay attention. Talk to your kids about the dangers of this challenge and other extreme behaviors seen on social media,” Nelson urged.
Authorities hope the boy’s ordeal will serve as a powerful reminder that an online dare can have consequences lasting far beyond a few seconds of internet attention.
Most importantly this horribly tragic. And I do hope this child survives and heals quickly.
WHY is a 9 year old child allowed on the internet, without supervision?
VERY SAD!