The nine-year-old boy who was seriously burned last week has been identified as Stalyn R. Mayorga. He was transferred to the Joseph M. Still Burn Center in Augusta, Ga.
An adult relative of the boy was burning trash in the front yard. The boy reportedly obtained a can of gasoline. What exactly happened next remains under investigation. Eyewitnesses, including Ramone Williams, who was in a house across the street, told firefighters and EMS personnel that he heard an explosion. When he looked outside, he saw the boy scrambling around on fire. Williams said he ran across the street, covered the boy with his jacket, and rolled him around on the ground to put the fire out. Lt. McElvain said the incident will likely be ruled accidental, though the investigation is continuing.
The Chattanooga Fire Department was dispatched to the scene at 5:50 p.m.
The boy received 2nd- and 3rd-degree burns to approximately 50 percent of his body.
Lt. McElvain said most of the burns are from the waist down.
Hamilton County EMS rushed the boy to Children’s Hospital at Erlanger, where he was being treated for his burns. An update on his condition was not available. Chattanooga Police are assisting with the investigation.