A five-year-old boy is fighting for his life and his mother has sustained life-changing injuries after a fire pit incident at a social gathering in Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland. The incident occurred on Saturday evening at a housing estate on Loreto Covent Estate.
Incident Details
Friends and family had gathered around a garden fire pit. Shortly after 10pm, the fire became uncontrollable, injuring several people. Investigators are exploring the theory that insect repellent spray used near the fire may have caused the flames to burst out of the pit.
The five-year-old boy, identified as Tom Zajec, was reportedly seated on a sun lounger closest to the blaze. His mother, Kristina Zajec, originally from Croatia, is also in intensive care with severe burns.
Injuries and Response
Four other individuals sustained injuries. Emergency services, including gardaí, ambulance, and fire crews, responded to the scene. Mayor of Killarney Councillor Martin Grady praised their efforts, stating, "Only for them I'm sure things would have been a lot worse."
Fundraising Efforts
A GoFundMe page has raised over €42,000 (over £36,000) to support the family. The organizers wrote, "They face a long, painful, and critical road to recovery... Every donation brings a glimmer of hope and vital relief."
Investigation
Gardaí have launched an investigation and conducted a technical examination of the scene. Foul play is not suspected at this stage.
