4-Year-Old Boy Engulfed in Flames During S’mores Activity at Kids Museum: Reports

A young boy suffered severe burns while participating in a s’mores activity at the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum in Seminole, Oklahoma, on Saturday, June 21. The incident, which took place during a summer celebration at the museum, involved an indoor s’mores maker. According to reports from CBS affiliate KWTV, NBC affiliate KFOR, and ABC affiliate KOCO, the boy, identified as Ryker Corona, was given a s’more by his mother before an explosion occurred, reportedly involving a grill and hand sanitizer.

Witnesses to the incident, including family friends Makala Pevehouse and Daycee Phillips, described seeing the boy engulfed in flames and frantically trying to extinguish them. Parents at the scene rushed to help by dousing him with water. The Seminole Fire Department responded to the emergency around noon, and the boy was airlifted to an Oklahoma City hospital to treat second-degree burns on his chest, face, and arms.

The Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum released a statement acknowledging the incident and emphasizing the immediate administration of first aid by trained staff. The museum expressed regret over the unfortunate event during a hands-on activity and assured that safety measures were promptly taken. Following the incident, the museum suspended the activity in question to conduct a comprehensive review and enhance safety protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

In response to the incident, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to support Ryker’s family during this challenging time. While the museum refrained from disclosing additional details out of respect for the victim and his family’s privacy, they underscored their commitment to providing a secure and enjoyable environment for all children. The institution commended the quick response of its staff and emergency services, reaffirming its dedication to learning from the situation and ensuring a safe space for visitors.

As the community rallies around Ryker and his family, concerns over the safety protocols and supervision during children’s activities at public venues like museums have been raised. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures and constant vigilance when organizing interactive events for children. It also highlights the resilience and support of communities coming together in times of crisis to aid those in need.

Efforts to investigate the circumstances leading to the accident and prevent similar incidents are underway, underscoring the critical need for proactive safety measures in recreational and educational settings catering to children. The incident at the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum serves as a call to action for institutions nationwide to prioritize the safety and well-being of young visitors through robust safety protocols and stringent supervision.

As details continue to emerge regarding the incident, the broader conversation around safety in children’s activities and the implementation of effective preventive measures gains prominence. The community’s response to supporting Ryker and his family exemplifies the unity and compassion that can emerge from adversity, reinforcing the importance of collective support during challenging times.