The family of a teenage boy who was allegedly doused in petrol and set on fire has shared the heartbreaking extent of his injuries. Jacob Thompson, 19, was walking down Cowper Street in Coonabarabran around 6 p.m. on Monday, October 13, when police say he was approached by a man and two women.
According to reports, one of them poured a flammable liquid on him before he suddenly caught fire. People nearby rushed to help, managing to put out the flames and save Jacob’s life before emergency responders arrived. He was taken to a local hospital and later airlifted to Sydney because of the severity of his burns.
Jacob’s family said in a statement that he suffered burns to 32 percent of his body, including devastating third-degree burns to his face, torso, arms, back, and legs. The heat and smoke caused serious damage to his airways, forcing doctors to place him in an induced coma on life support.
He’s now in intensive care at Concord Hospital in Sydney’s inner west, where his loved ones are keeping vigil at his bedside, reported The Mirror. “This deeply traumatic incident was witnessed by his immediate family and partner, leaving physical and emotional scars that will take a lifetime to heal,” the family said.
Police confirmed that three people—a 45-year-old woman, a 19-year-old man, and a 17-year-old girl—were arrested shortly after the attack at a nearby property. The man has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and affray, while the older woman also faces an affray charge.
Both were refused bail. The teenage girl was released pending further investigation, police said. The shocking attack has rocked the quiet town of Coonabarabran, leaving the community horrified and desperate for justice. As Jacob fights for his life, friends and neighbors have rallied around the family.
A GoFundMe has been launched to help them cover medical expenses and relocation costs as they begin the long road to recovery. “The family would be grateful if you could support by donating, no matter how big or small, every cent will make a difference towards helping Jacob and his family rebuild their lives,” a message on the page reads.
Jacob’s relatives have not only had to deal with the horror of what happened but also the trauma of witnessing it firsthand. They’ve described him as a kind and hardworking young man who didn’t deserve this nightmare. The investigation is still ongoing, and police are working to determine what led to the violent encounter.
For now, Jacob’s family says they’re focusing on one thing—helping him survive and heal. Their statement ended with a simple but powerful plea for compassion and support. After such a brutal attack, they said, the road ahead will be long and painful, but they’re holding on to hope that Jacob will pull through.
