13-year-old fighting for life after botched firebombing in Melbourne
A 13-year-old remains in critical condition with about 90 per cent burns after a firebombing he helped stage backfired in Melbourne.
The 13-year-old was part of a group tasked via WhatsApp to firebomb two cars in Taylors Hill early Monday morning. The group was promised $3000 for the arson.
When they lit the fires, the boy caught fire himself, suffering burns to about 90 per cent of his body. The 13-year-old was rushed to Royal Children's Hospital for a 12-hour skin graft surgery and remains in critical condition.
Police told a court this week it is "very possible" he could die from his injuries. One of his co-accused, a 16-year-old, admitted his involvement in a Snapchat message and offered the boy's family $1000.
- 13 years old
- Age of injured boy
- 90 per cent
- Body surface burned
- 3000 dollars
- Promise for firebombing
- Taylors Hill, Melbourne
- Location
Why it mattersThe case exposes how young people are being recruited into serious crimes for cash via social media, risking their lives.
AustraliaVictoria is experiencing a spate of firebombings across Melbourne, raising urgent safety concerns and prompting police action against organised networks targeting teenagers.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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