A 12-year-old Australian soccer player, Lucas Baldock, has suffered severe burns after a prank involving a deodorant can went horribly wrong. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support his recovery.
A 12-year-old soccer player from Mudgeeraba, a town on the outskirts of the Gold Coast, Australia, has been left with devastating burns after a prank at a local park went horribly wrong. Lucas Baldock, a promising futsal player, was seriously injured when a deodorant can was set on fire and exploded.
The Shocking Incident
The accident occurred on September 26, when Lucas was at his local park. A child had lit a deodorant can and called Lucas over, unaware of the danger that was about to unfold. As Lucas approached, another child threw an object at the can, causing it to explode. The blast left Lucas covered in severe burns from head to toe.
Lucas, in a state of panic, managed to call his mother, Sandy, from the park, screaming that he was on fire. The traumatic nature of the accident was made even worse by the fact that Lucas had been excited to compete in a national futsal tournament just days later. The explosion forced him to miss the tournament and left him facing a long road to recovery.
Community Rallying Around Lucas
A family friend, Carriae Sempf, launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with Lucas’ medical expenses and recovery process. In her heartfelt message, she described the harrowing details of the accident and the pain that Lucas was enduring.
“A child at Lucas’ local park lit a deodorant can and called Lucas over,” Sempf 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.”
A photo shared by Sempf showed Lucas lying in a hospital bed, his face severely burned, and his arm and leg wrapped in bandages. “What was meant to be 4 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,” she added.
Uplifting Update
In a recent update, Sempf shared a picture of Lucas smiling beside a teammate, despite the facial injuries. “So lovely to see Lucas smile again!” she wrote. “A huge heart-felt thanks to everyone who has supported Lucas! What an incredible community we have.”
Police Investigation
The Gold Coast Police, through the Child Protection and Investigation Unit, reviewed the case. They confirmed that the explosion was accidental. “All parents were spoken to and did not wish to make a formal complaint. There is no ongoing police involvement,” a spokesperson told Daily Mail.
Fundraiser to Support Recovery
As of this week, the GoFundMe campaign has raised nearly $6,000 to support Lucas and his family during this difficult time. Sempf concluded her message by encouraging others to donate, saying, “If you can spare a few dollars to help this beautiful family with their medical costs please do.”
Lucas is expected to face several more hospital visits and likely surgery as part of his recovery. His family is deeply grateful for the support they’ve received from their community.
