A 12-year-old student suffered burns across 40% of her body after her Day of the Dead costume caught fire during a school ceremony in Hidalgo, central Mexico.
Terrifying footage shows Zaira Osorio standing onstage with her classmates at Teodomiro Manzano High School on Wednesday as they presented their outfits for the traditional Mexican holiday.
Moments later, the gold-colored dress, which had been made from tamale leaves, came into contact with one of the candles on a table behind her. Osorio then appeared to move to her right.
A male student noticed that the lower back of Osorio’s costume was on fire and immediately tried to smother the flames with his hands, but the fire continued to spread.
Osorio somehow remained composed and stood still on the platform as her classmates screamed. Two school staff members then rushed to her aid and escorted her from the stage.
The minute-long video shows the flames rapidly engulfing Osorio’s dress as she walked in circles while bystanders used their jackets in an effort to extinguish the fire.
The event emcee could be heard urging the crowd to remain “calm” as Osorio returned to the stage.
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Several people continued trying to contain the blaze until someone grabbed a bucket of water and poured it over Osorio.
Osorio was taken to a children’s medical facility in the municipality of Huasca de Ocampo before being transferred to a hospital in Mexico City. She is receiving treatment for second-degree burns.
Osorio’s father, José Osorio, appealed on social media for public help with his daughter’s medical expenses.
“Zaira suffered a terrible incident inside a secondary school, which resulted in burns over a large part of her body,” he wrote. “She is currently in a delicate situation that requires constant medical attention and care.
“Medical expenses have been extremely high, and my family is doing everything in our power to support her through this difficult process. However, the costs continue to rise, and we need the solidarity of anyone who can lend us a hand.”
The Hidalgo state Ministry of Education said in a statement that it had opened an investigation Wednesday.
According to Azteca Noticias, flammable objects are prohibited in schools.
Osorio’s father also alleged that authorities had not contacted the family.
“In such a serious situation, we believe it is essential that our family receives attention, accountability and support,” he added.
