Lucas Baldock: Queensland rep footballer burnt by deodorant fireball
A budding young representative footballer from Queensland has been burnt by an exploding deodorant can and missed the chance to compete at the national school championships.
A fundraiser organised for Lucas Baldock and his family has garnered nearly $6000 in a matter of days as the boy slowly recovers.
A second 12-year-old boy was also injured in the incident at a park in the Gold Coast suburb of Mudgeeraba on September 26.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Family friend and fundraising organiser Carriae Sempf says Lucas was at the park and walked into a horrific incident.
“A child at Lucas’ local park lit a deodorant can and called Lucas over. Lucas walked over unaware of what was going on,” Ms Sempf said.
“Another child threw something at the deodorant can. It exploded. Lucas is covered head to toe in burns.
“Lucas telephoned his mum Sandy from the park screaming that he was on fire … An innocent victim to a mindless act.”
Lucas was supposed to play alongside Ms Sempf’s son at the National School Futsal Championships in Brisbane from September 29.
“What was meant to be four fabulous days on the futsal court has turned into multiple hospital visits and likely surgery required for Lucas,” Ms Sempf said.
“As you can imagine, Lucas is in considerable pain. If you can spare a few dollars to help this beautiful family with their medical costs please do.”
Almost 100 people had donated $5700 as of Tuesday morning. On Monday night, Ms Sempf posted an update, showing a beaming Lucas arm-in-arm with a teammate but most of his face covered in bandages.
Police say the parents of kids involved all declined to make any formal complaints, and investigators decided the incident was an accident.
“During the incident two boys, both aged 12, suffered burns and were transported to hospital for treatment.
“Following an investigation by detectives from the Gold Coast Child Protection and Investigation Unit it was determined the incident was accidental, with no evidence of deliberate harm,” a police spokesperson said.
“All parents were spoken to and did not wish to make a formal complaint. There is no ongoing police involvement.”
Originally published as ‘Mindless’: Qld rep footballer burnt by deodorant fireball
