Clothes catches fire — Teenager in critical condition

Up to last night, 18-year-old Joshua Grant was listed as being in critical condition at San Fernando General Hospital with third degree burns over 90 percent of his body. According to police reports, around noon yesterday, Grant was alone at his Tortuga Village, Tortuga home, when he attempted to light his stove. However, his jersey accidentally caught fire which quickly spread and engulfed him in flames. In an attempt to douse the fire Grant ran into a bedroom and threw himself on the mattress which also caught fire. The frightening screams of the 18-year-old  being burnt alive alerted villagers who ran to his assistance. They discovered the teen covered in flames, standing on the front steps.

The neighbours used a hose to douse the flames and burning mattress. The semi-conscious youth was rushed to hospital where nurses, while trying to peel of remnant’s of burnt clothing, also peeled away Grant’s skin and flesh which was merged by the heat with the fabric. Police said the teenager’s mother lived abroad and he was staying with his brothers. The mattress was destroyed and apart from the walls being scorched, there was no other damage to the house. Visiting the scene was a party of officers from the Gran Couva Police Station, including Cpl Satnarine, PCs Ramlogan and Charles. PC Charles is continuing investigations.