Two adult volunteers hired to keep the flame burning on a Special Olympics torch suffered second-degree burns in what officials are calling a “mishap”.
The victims, a man and a woman, were assigned to “refuel the torch” as needed, while riding the back of a moving pick-up truck that was following the group of special needs athletes. A group leader noticed the flame was about to go out so he handed it off to the man and woman in the back of truck. The geniuses didn’t notice the torch’s flame had not completely gone out and when they opened a can of lighter fluid and started refueling… KABOOM!
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A flash fire broke out, horrifying special needs athletes and sending adults into a panic as they tried to extinguish the burning couple.
Both victims suffered second-degree burns and were transported to St. Mary’s Hospital. The female was transferred to Bridgeport Burn Center. Another victim has not yet been identified.
The annual Torch Run, during which officers and athletes carry the flame in local competitions, was canceled until further notice.