A young budding soccer star was forced to miss a national competition after a ‘mindless’ prank left him with horrific head-to-toe burns.
Keen futsal player Lucas Baldock, 12, was injured after a deodorant can was lit on fire and exploded at a park in the Gold Coast suburb of Mudgeeraba on September 26.
Another 12-year-old boy also suffered burns during the incident.
Carriae Sempf, a friend of the family who has launched a fundraiser to support Lucas’ recovery, recounted the terrifying ordeal in a post to the GoFundMe page.
‘A child at Lucas’ local park lit a deodorant can and called Lucas over,’ she wrote.
‘Lucas walked over unaware of what was going on. Another child threw something at the deodorant can. It exploded. Lucas is covered head to toe in burns.
‘Lucas telephoned his mum Sandy from the park screaming that he was on fire.
‘My heart is breaking for Lucas and Sandy. What a frightening and traumatic experience for them both.’
Lucas suffered serious burns following a ‘mindless’ prank. He is pictured recovering in hospital
Lucas is pictured smiling after bouncing back from the incident
Suffering serious burns, Lucas was forced to miss out on the chance to represent Queensland at a national futsal competition days after the incident.
‘Lucas. A beautiful child. An innocent victim to a mindless act,’ Ms Sempf wrote.
‘What was meant to be four fabulous days on the futsal court has turned into multiple hospital visits and likely surgery required for Lucas.
‘As you can imagine, Lucas is in considerable pain.’
A photo posted to the fundraiser shows Lucas recovering in a hospital bed with serious burns to one side of his face and his legs and an arm wrapped in bandages.
Ms Sempf shared an update on Monday night, showing Lucas smiling alongside a teammate with his face wrapped in bandages.
‘So lovely to see Lucas smile again!’ Ms Sempf wrote alongside the picture.
‘A huge heart-felt thanks to everyone who has supported Lucas! What an incredible community we have.’
Queensland Police determined the incident was accidental following an investigation by the Gold Coast Child Protection and Investigation Unit.
‘All parents were spoken to and did not wish to make a formal complaint. There is no ongoing police involvement,’ a spokesperson told the Daily Mail.
The fundraiser, which has so far raised nearly $6,000, can be found here.
Daily Mail has contacted GoFundMe.
