A two-year-old girl sustained second-degree burns on her face and body after her family’s motorcycle caught fire in New Bataan, Davao de Oro, on Thursday afternoon, January 2, 2025.
According to authorities, the toddler was riding the motorcycle in Barangay Camanlangan with her father and older sibling as they were returning home from a vacation.
Initial investigations revealed that the motorcycle, driven by the father, tipped over and caught fire. The two-year-old, who was seated in front, suffered burns when gasoline spilled and ignited.
“Nag-convoy sila, natumba ang papa pagkatba nasunog. Pagkatba natanggal ang taklob sa tangke sa motor ang bata nabasa sa gasolina and then pagkasunog mao diay ang bata ray nasunog gidakop sa kalayo (They were traveling in a convoy when the motorcycle tipped over and caught fire. The gas tank cover came off, spilling gasoline on the child, which caused her to sustain burns),” said Joefe Rector, a representative from the MDRR New Bataan’s Operation and Warning Section, in an interview with GMA’s One Mindanao.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident.
As of January 3, the child has been transferred to the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City for treatment. Her condition is still being monitored. RGL
