A teenager, described as “deeply traumatised,” suffered severe burns covering 32% of his body, including third-degree injuries to his face, torso, arms, back, and legs, in a brutal petrol attack in Coonabarabran, New South Wales, Australia. The incident, which occurred on October 13, is believed to be part of an ongoing feud between two families in the small rural town.
The young man, Jacob Thompson, was allegedly approached by a group of individuals who doused him with a flammable liquid before igniting him. Passers-by managed to extinguish the flames, and Jacob was rushed to intensive care for treatment. His injuries were so extensive that his siblings initially struggled to identify him in the hospital.
Jacob’s family, speaking to the media, expressed deep trauma over the violent attack and the impact it has had on them. They mentioned that Jacob is facing severe breathing difficulties and had to be on life support initially. The family described the past few weeks as challenging, especially for Jacob’s younger siblings, who had trouble recognizing him due to his injuries.
Following the attack, three individuals, a 45-year-old woman, a 19-year-old man, and a 17-year-old girl, were arrested in connection with the incident. The man was charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and affray, while the woman faced charges of affray. The teenage girl was released pending further investigation.
A fundraising campaign was launched to support Jacob’s recovery journey, highlighting the horrific nature of the attack and the extensive injuries he sustained. Despite some small improvements, Jacob continues to struggle with breathing issues, eye problems, and a dislocated shoulder, requiring ongoing medical attention and monitoring.