Three people, including the child, were injured during the incident at Our Lady of the Annunciation Church in Bingham Road, Croydon, at about 2.10pm on Wednesday.
The boy, believed to be between the ages of seven and 10, was taken to hospital by air ambulance and remains in a critical but stable condition.
Pupils from St Thomas Becket Catholic Primary School in south London were attending the nearby church for a musical nativity celebration when the boy’s costume came into contact with a lit candle.
A man and a woman were also taken to hospital by road.
London Fire Brigade assistant commissioner for fire safety Dan Daly said: “This horrific accident is a stark reminder of the risk real candles can pose.
“They are a completely unnecessary hazard when it comes to children and school plays.
“Sadly this isn’t the first time we have seen clothing and costumes set alight by candles and people need to recognise the risk and prevent these incidents from happening again.
“People should not be using real candles – especially around children, costumes and decorations – when there are far safer alternatives available.”
Mr Daly added LED or electric candles should be used, especially in the festive season when clothing and decorations can pose additional hazards.
London Ambulance Service attended the scene on Wednesday afternoon and later called officers from the Metropolitan…
… Read More
—
Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Premier Christianity News.