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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Two Boys Burned When Torch Blows Up

From Staff And Wire Reports

Two Spokane boys were seriously injured when a homemade torch blew up in their faces Monday, Spokane police said.

The unidentified 11- and 12-year-old were making the torch in the back yard of a home at 4008 E. Fredrick about 6:45 p.m., Spokane Police Cpl. Tom Lee said.

The 12-year-old tried to light the torch, filled with denatured alcohol, gas and camping fuel, when it blew up, Lee said.

The boy suffered serious burns on his head, neck, back, left side and left hand, including third-degree burns on his left ear and under his left arm, Lee said. He was air-lifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

The 11-year-old remained in serious condition at Holy Family Hospital with burns on his head, neck, chest and back.

Officers believe the boys had constructed the torch in a 1-liter metal can into which they poured the alcohol mixture, Lee said. The can, as well as a quart can of alcohol, were found in the yard.

Lee did not know if adults were in the home at the time. An investigation continues. , DataTimes