OXFORD – A 10-year-old boy is still being treated in the intensive care unit at Syracuse Medical Center for severe burns he received last week. A second 13-year-old victim is now home recovering from severe burns to his legs.
Last Thursday night, the Oxford Police Department was called to the scene of an apparent explosion that happened at the Community Apartments off Chenango Street in the Village of Oxford.
At around 9:01 p.m., a loud explosion was heard near the apartments. Oxford fire and emergency crews responded to the scene and found two young boys injured.
The two victims apparently fished a bottle out of a dumpster containing about a quart of a fluid solution comprised of 25 percent “nitro fluid” – which is commonly found in radio-controlled racing cars.
The fluid contained nitromethane, methanol and some non-petroleum lubricants. The substance is very poisonous and highly flammable.
Fire investigators said the boys were filling the lid of the container and lighting it on fire. The solution was so flammable that even though the kids were outside, the gases traced a trail from the lid of the container back to the source, the container itself, causing it to explode.
The liquid was thrown from the area as a result of that burst and splashed on the two boys, causing severe injury. The 10-year-old was rushed by helicopter to Syracuse with 70 percent of his body covered in 2nd and 3rd degree burns. The area suffering the worst damage included his face, neck and chest. The second boy received 3rd and 2nd degree burns to his legs and was taken to Wilson in Binghamton. Later, as a precaution, he was transported to the Syracuse Medical Burn Center.
The Oxford Police Department has determined the source of the container and its owner. The investigation is continuing and charges may be brought against the individual; however the charges would revolve around the improper disposal of flammable material.
Oxford Academy and Central Schools sent home a letter to parents asking for community aid yesterday:
“We would like to facilitate an opportunity for individuals in the Oxford community to assist the families in a time of need. There will be a box placed in the main office at the primary school and the middle school. We will collect items such as gas cards and McDonalds gift cards that will help with the commute and stay in Syracuse. You can forward donations directly to the Sarah House, where the family will stay while their child remains in the hospital.”
That address is 100 Roberts Avenue Suite 10, Syracuse NY, 13207. Cards can be sent to University Memorial Hospital, Clark Burn Center, 750 East Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210.
Both families will need medical supplies, such as first aid tape, wrap around gauze, bed chux, and flat white sheets. These can be donated at the main office at each school.
For more information contact Clayton Kappauf at 843-2025 ext. 3226, Bonnie Emerson at 843-7185 ext. 2303 , and Julie Gates at 843-5395, with any questions. Donated items will go to the family at the end of the week, Friday.