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Rhode Island man suffers from third-degree burns after TikTok fire challenge

VIDEO/PHOTOS: An 18-year-old man was injured after police say he participated in a TikTok challenge to light yourself on fire. North Smithfield fire officials said they responded to the Slatersville Reservoir Saturday afternoon for a person with serious burns. “That’s crazy, I’ve never seen anything like that,” said Tik Keosykhao who boats in the reservoir. “I think that the kids these days need to reconsider their actions because its very life threatening not only are they endangering their lives but other lives.” Video shows the moment he jumped off an old railroad trestle into the water below while engulfed in flames.

Officials said an 18-year-old man was transported to Rhode Island Hospital with second and third-degree burns on his back. “It’s not safe, that’s why there’s signs that say don’t jump off the trestle,” said Greg Lafontaine who owns The Island nearby. “As a kid you do things for fun but I think they’re starting to cross the line quite frankly.” A 16-year-old boy was not injured, and released to his parents. Fire officials said the pair appeared to be participating in a challenge which involved pouring gasoline on themselves, lighting themselves on fire and then jumping into the water.

WJAR-TV NBC 10 Providence

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