A five-year-old boy is fighting for his life and his mum has suffered life-changing injuries after a fire pit went out of control at a social gathering in Ireland
A young boy aged five and his mother are both fighting for their lives after a garden fire pit spiralled out of control.
The devastating incident occurred at a “social gathering” on a housing estate in Kerry on Saturday evening.
Friends and family had gathered around the blaze in a garden at Loreto Covent Estate in Killarney.
However, shortly after 10pm, the fire became uncontrollable and a number of people were hurt.
One theory being investigated is that those near the fire had used insect repellent spray, which may have caused the flames to burst out of the pit, reports the Irish Mirror.
The five-year-old boy is believed to have been seated on a sun lounger closest to the blaze.
Kristina and her young son, Tom Zajec, originally from Croatia, are currently fighting for their lives in the intensive care unit suffering severe burns.
Four other individuals are also thought to have sustained injuries.
A GoFundMe page has been launched to raise funds for the family.
The organisers wrote: “They face a long, painful, and critical road to recovery, their family is confronting an overwhelming emotional and financial burden.
“With medical bills mounting and specialized burn treatments required.
“They cannot navigate this tragedy alone. We are urgently asking for your financial support to help cover their medical expenses, allowing their family to focus entirely on healing.
“Every donation, no matter the size, brings a glimmer of hope and vital relief to a mother and son in their darkest hour.”
So far, in excess of €42,000 (over £36,000) has been raised.
Gardaí have since launched an investigation, and a technical examination of the scene has been carried out. Foul play is not suspected at this stage.
Mayor of Killarney Councillor Martin Grady told RTÉ: “Our thoughts are certainly with those that are injured and their families and all those who are affected by the event as well.”
He went on to say: “The emergency services, gardaí, ambulance and fire service, they certainly did what they could.
“Only for them I’m sure things would have been a lot worse.”
In an official statement, Gardaí said: “Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of an incident of fire that occurred at a domestic residence in Killarney, Co. Kerry on Saturday 13th June 2026 at approximately 10:20 pm.
“Six people, men, women and children, were conveyed to hospital for the treatment of injuries sustained during the incident.
“A technical examination of the scene has been conducted. Investigations are ongoing.”
