Inset: Jaidynn Penberthy (GoFundMe). Background: The area near New River and Saddle Mountain roads in Phoenix, Arizona, where Jaidynn was injured in a bonfire explosion (Google Maps).Â
Authorities in Arizona are searching for the person who allegedly threw a car part into a bonfire, triggering an explosion that seriously injured a 16-year-old girl.
Phoenix police said the blast occurred at about 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 30 in a desert area near New River and Saddle Mountain roads.
Jaidynn Penberthy suffered a broken jaw, multiple facial fractures, broken teeth and burns, according to a GoFundMe.
Ethan Glass, Penberthy’s brother, told local CBS affiliate KPHO that his sister was standing about 10 feet from the fire when someone tossed a car shock absorber into the flames. The part exploded, sending shrapnel into Jaidynn’s mouth and knocking her unconscious, Glass said.
“There was a lot of blood,” Glass told the station. “It was like a scene out of a horror movie.”
Other people at the gathering provided first aid, while Jaidynn’s friends rushed to get her help.
She temporarily lost her pulse, prompting a friend to perform a sternum rub.
“[Her friend] said that she lost her pulse for like a minute,” Glass recalled.
Jaidynn remains hospitalized and is facing a lengthy recovery.
“At just 16 years old, Jaidynn is going through something no one should ever have to experience,” the GoFundMe stated. “The past few days have been incredibly difficult, and while there are still many unknowns, our main focus is making sure she receives the care and support she needs to make a full recovery.”
Police said the person they are seeking is believed to be in their teens or early 20s. Anyone with information is asked to contact Phoenix police or Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS.
Glass told KPHO that he wants the person responsible to be held accountable.
“Being kind of an older brother definitely makes me frustrated a lot. I mean, I really don’t understand why he would do something of the sort. It makes no sense,” Glass said.
