US boy, nine, suffers burns to 70 per cent of his body after a social media 'fire challenge' in Louisiana

New Orleans Fire Department Chief Roman Nelson said the youngster is 'in unbearable pain and lucky to be alive'. He spoke in a video on Monday alongside New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick. The pair begged parents to talk to their children about the online stunt and other 'extreme behaviors' pushed on social media. 'It's not fun, and it's not funny,' Kirkpatrick warned.

Children douse themselves in accelerants, set themselves alight, then try to put out the flames.

A Pennsylvania teen was intubated in March after a similar 'fire-breathing' stunt.

Kirkpatrick's message to children was blunt: 'Kids, don't fall for this gimmick.'

Daily Mail9-year-old boy burns 70 percent of his body in 'fire challenge The IndependentWarnings issued after 9-year-old injured while participating in social media ‘fire challenge’NDTV9-Year-Old US Boy Suffers Burns To 70% Of Body In Viral 'Fire Challenge': "He's In Unbearable Pain" - NDTV HOT 107.9Louisiana Boy Suffers Burns Over 70% of Body in Dangerous Social Media Challenge

Read today's full feed at The Newshound →