Seven-year-old Elian Flores was seriously burned after a home "science experiment"—mixing hand sanitizer, soap and rubbing alcohol—ignited when a lighter was introduced. He suffered second-degree burns across about 19% of his body, with some areas later identified as third-degree, and required specialized care at Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center. Elian spent more than a week in the pediatric ICU for surgeries, wound care and therapy and has since been discharged to recover at home with family; a GoFundMe has been set up to help with ongoing medical needs.
7-Year-Old Severely Burned After Home 'Science Experiment' Ignites Shirt — Family Rallies to Help
Elian FloresCredit: GoFundMe
Seven-year-old Elian Flores was seriously burned after a homemade "science experiment" went wrong in his Florida home on Sept. 7. Elian and his 11-year-old brother, Benji, were mixing household products — including hand sanitizer, soap and rubbing alcohol — when a lighter was introduced and Elian's shirt ignited.
Immediate Response and Hospitalization
Benji reacted quickly, pulling his younger brother into the shower to extinguish the flames, according to family member Daasha Ferguson on a verified GoFundMe page. Other relatives responded to the commotion and first responders transported Elian to Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center for specialized pediatric burn care.
Elian FloresCredit: GoFundMe
Extent Of Injuries And Treatment
Ferguson reported that Elian initially suffered second-degree burns across approximately 19% of his body, with severe swelling and blistering to the right side of his face and significant injuries to his right arm, hand and fingers. Medical teams later identified areas with third-degree burns during further assessment.
Elian spent more than a week in the pediatric ICU, where he underwent debridement, extensive wound care, repeated and painful dressing changes, physical therapy, ophthalmology evaluations, psychological support and intensive pain management. During a painful first shower after the injury, he was sedated and intubated so doctors could fully evaluate his wounds.
Elian FloresCredit: GoFundMe
Recovery And Family Support
"He is mentally, emotionally and physically exhausted," Ferguson wrote. "At times he can barely speak, and his voice grows weak or disappears altogether. Every single day asks an unbelievable amount of strength from him."
Two days after a critical assessment, Elian was discharged and returned home to recover with his six older brothers and the rest of the family. Ferguson emphasized that while returning home was an important milestone, Elian's recovery will be ongoing and will require continued medical care and support.
How To Help
The family established a GoFundMe to assist with medical bills and rehabilitation expenses. Supporters are asked to keep Elian and the family in their thoughts as he continues his long road to recovery.
Note: This account is based on family updates shared on the verified GoFundMe and statements from responders; specifics such as the percentage and depth of burns were provided by the family and medical assessments performed at the hospital.
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