Burn victims still in hospital

By MARGIE TRAX PAGE - Staff Writer - mtrax@starbeacon.com
Star Beacon

March 03, 2009 03:11 am

— ROME TOWNSHIP — One of the children burned in a flash fire has been treated and released from the hospital, while her 3-year-old brother and father are badly burned and still hospitalized, family members confirmed Monday.
The two small children and their father were injured Sunday afternoon after a small bonfire ignited a plastic gasoline can, causing a flash fire, Rome Township Fire Chief Ed Koziol said.
At the request of the father, the names of the victims — which were confirmed Monday — will not be revealed until they are home from the hospital due to security reasons.
Family friend Jo Hannah Leyda said the family “is struggling with the situation.”
“But they are thanking God that they are going to be OK. This is a horrible thing to go through. Recovery will be a difficult process,” she said.
Ledya said the 3-year-old suffered burns over much of his body, including his face.
“But doctors do not anticipate much scarring,” she said.
A support fund will be established for the family and details on donations and fundraisers will be available soon, Ledya said.
“(The family) is drawing their strength from the Lord,” Ledya said. “(The mother) is incredibly stressed during this unimaginable situation. This is as difficult for all of them mentally and emotionally as it is physically.”