Children critically injured in Breda barbecue accident were standing too close to grill
A priest who witnessed a barbecue accident at a church gathering in Breda said children were standing too close to the grill when a sudden flare-up occurred, RTL reports. Two children were critically injured with severe burns to their faces and arms. Two adults also suffered minor injuries to their arms and hands. The incident remains under investigation.
The accident happened on Belgiëplein during a Pentecost church gathering at the Franciscuskerk and triggered a large emergency response. Four ambulances, a trauma helicopter, and police were dispatched to the scene.
Priest Rian Supardi of the Augustinus parish said he witnessed the incident as the Pentecost gathering had just begun at the Franciscuskerk on Belgiëplein. He told RTL: “I was there. I have a bit of a trauma.”
Supardi said about ten people were present at the start of the annual parish event for the local international community, with more attendees expected later in the afternoon.
He said the barbecue had just been lit when the incident occurred and confirmed that the injured children are regular members of the church community. “They come every Sunday to our church for the English service,” he said.
The two children were taken under police escort to a hospital in Rotterdam, which has the nearest specialized burns center to Breda. Their injuries were described as severe burns to the face and arms. The two adults were treated for minor injuries to their arms and hands.
