Burned victims remain in critical condition

Nicholas "Nick" Decker, a 10-year-old fourth-grade student at Bloomfield Elementary School and Joshua Merritt, an 11-year-old student at Loogootee East Elementary School, suffered extensive burns when they were consumed with flames from a gasoline explosion at a fire pit in Scotland.

Reports from fire investigators show that gasoline from a plastic container was doused onto a smoldering firepit. It ignited and caught the two youngsters on fire.

Both boys have undergone several surgical procedures in the last two weeks involving skin grafting and both face a long road to recovery, according to Mike Crays, of Bloomfield, who is a grandfather to Josh Merritt, who lives with his mother at Crane Village.

Both boys suffered extensive second and third degree burns over 75 percent of their bodies. Both are still on respirators to assist with breathing.

"Right now they are stable, but both are in critical condition. It's going to be a long road to go," he said. "It's a critical time and they both will have a long recovery process."

The families appreciate the prayers and kind words that have been extended to them since this tragic accident, according to Crays, who was speaking on behalf of the family members.

Crays is encouraged that the Greene County community has not forgotten about the boys' plight or the expenses involved with their recuperation.

The grandfather said he recalls getting the call on the day it (the accident) happened and the prognosis at that time was not real encouraging for either boy.

But now two weeks later they are still alive and on the road to recovery. For that, he is very thankful.

"We have just been overwhelmed with the support and the prayers that have been given. Prayers more than anything else is what they need right now," he said. "The doctors are doing their job and we just need prayers right now."

Crays said a tragic event like this is something that no family member can ever prepare for in advance.

"It's just overwhelming ... the families really appreciate the support they are getting and all the prayers are working and we are thankful for that. A lot of times you get caught up in what is happening, but you forget to give thanks and we don't want to do that."