WEST POINT, Utah – A 12-year-old boy from West Point, Utah tragically passed away after sustaining severe burns while attempting to fuel a fire in his backyard burn pit with gasoline.
The North Davis Fire District received a call about an explosion at the boy’s home near 900 North and 5000 West on Monday afternoon. Upon arrival, the fire had been extinguished, but the boy had suffered extensive burns on more than half of his body.
According to the Davis County Sheriff’s Office, an investigation revealed that the boy had used a can of gasoline to intensify the flames in the backyard burn pit, which subsequently exploded, causing the severe injuries.
The child was airlifted to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries the following morning. His identity has not been disclosed at this time.
In an attempt to save her son, the boy’s 50-year-old mother also sustained burns and was treated at McKay-Dee Hospital before being released.
Sheriff Kelly Sparks expressed deep condolences to the family and everyone affected by the tragic accident, emphasizing the profound impact it has had on the deputies and first responders involved.
The community and the boy’s loved ones are mourning his loss, and the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with handling flammable materials. The tragic event also underscores the importance of fire safety and the potential consequences of using gasoline to fuel fires.