A 7-year-old boy is recovering after a homemade science experiment with his older brother suddenly went horribly wrong, leaving him with severe burns across much of his body.
On Sept. 7, Elian Flores and his 11-year-old brother, Benji, were playing “scientists” in their bathroom when they began mixing household items, including hand sanitizer, soap and rubbing alcohol. Moments later, a lighter was introduced, and Elian’s shirt suddenly caught fire.
Benji quickly reacted and got his younger brother into the shower to put out the flames. The family then rushed Elian for emergency medical care.
Doctors found that he had suffered second-degree burns covering about 19% of his body, including his face, abdomen, legs and much of his right arm, hand and fingers. He spent more than a week in intensive care while undergoing wound treatment, painful dressing changes, physical therapy and other medical care.
His recovery was extremely difficult. A family member said Elian was physically and emotionally exhausted, and that even a later shower caused such severe pain that doctors had to sedate and intubate him so they could properly examine his wounds.
Despite the painful recovery, Elian was eventually discharged from the hospital and returned home to his family. His loved ones say he still has a long road ahead, including continued treatment and physical therapy.
His family has also launched a fundraiser to help cover the costs of his ongoing recovery.