A young man, Jacob Thompson, suffered severe burns to 32% of his body, including his face, torso, arms, back, and legs, following a brutal petrol attack in Coonabarabran, New South Wales, Australia. The incident, believed to be linked to an ongoing feud between two families, left Jacob in intensive care fighting for his life.
Witnesses reported that Jacob was approached by a group of individuals who then doused him with a flammable liquid, causing him to catch fire. Passers-by managed to extinguish the flames before he was rushed to the hospital. The extent of his injuries was so severe that his own siblings initially struggled to recognize him in the hospital.
His family described the attack as deeply traumatising, noting the emotional toll it has taken on Jacob and themselves. Despite facing significant challenges in his recovery, Jacob remains optimistic and is trying to come to terms with his injuries, particularly the breathing difficulties he now experiences.
Following the incident, three individuals—a 45-year-old woman, a 19-year-old man, and a 17-year-old girl—were arrested and faced charges related to the attack. The man was charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, while the woman faced charges of affray. The teenage girl was released pending further investigation.
To support Jacob’s recovery, a GoFundMe page was set up, highlighting the need for ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, and a safe environment for his healing process. Despite initial struggles, Jacob has shown signs of improvement, although he continues to deal with breathing issues, eye problems, and a dislocated shoulder.
