SEMINOLE, OK – A family outing to the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum ended tragically when a four-year-old boy sustained serious burns after a hand sanitizer explosion.
The child, Riker, was participating in a s’mores-making activity when the explosion occurred, engulfing him in flames. Family friend Mkayla Peavey House described the terrifying moment as Riker’s mother turned to see her son on fire.
The flames, reportedly blue and green, were traced back to the alcohol in the hand sanitizer used during the activity. Daisy Phillips, another family friend, criticized the museum staff for their inaction, noting that it was the parents who ultimately extinguished the flames and called for emergency assistance.
Riker was airlifted to Integris Baptist Hospital with extensive second-degree burns. Medical staff are considering a feeding tube due to burns inside his mouth. The museum issued a statement praising its staff for their response, a stance contested by eyewitnesses who felt the response was insufficient.
An investigation is underway to determine how the incident unfolded. The museum’s handling of the situation has been called into question, with critics accusing it of minimizing the severity of Riker’s injuries.
The community has rallied around the boy, offering support to his family and calling for enhanced safety measures to prevent similar incidents. As Riker’s recovery remains uncertain, the investigation seeks to uncover the truth behind the day’s events.