N.J. child, 11, hospitalized with burns after backyard bonfire explodes – NJ.com

An 11-year-old boy is hospitalized with severe burns after a backyard bonfire exploded Monday evening in South Jersey, officials said.

Emergency crews responded to a home on the 200 block of Ramblewood Parkway in Mount Laurel Township around 6:15 p.m. after neighbors reported an explosion.

A preliminary investigation determined that the child poured gasoline on the already burning fire and that the flames traveled up the stream to the gas can, which exploded while the boy was holding it, according to Mount Laurel Police Department spokesman Kyle Gardner.

The child was airlifted to St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, according to Mount Laurel Fire Department Deputy Chief Todd Evans.

His condition wasn’t immediately available Monday night.

A 10-year-old child was also in the backyard, but was not injured, authorities said. A parent was at the house when the incident occurred, Gardner said.

The fire was quickly doused by responding firefighters, Evans said.

The incident remains under investigation by the fire department’s bureau of fire prevention and the Burlington County Fire Marshal’s Office.

Friends of the injured child’s family have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with his recovery.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com.