Man charged after mother of three allegedly set on fire and left with burns on 38 percent of her body
- Man charged after wife allegedly set on fire
- The mother of three suffered burns to 38 percent of her body
A man has been charged after a woman was rushed to hospital with burns to 38 percent of her body after she was reportedly set on fire before a car exploded in outer-east Perth.
Police were called to reports of a car on fire near the corner of Honey St and Mill End in Mount Helena, about 35km east of Perth’s CBD, at around 6.25pm Friday.
Nearby witnesses heard multiple explosions before police caught fire in a blue Holden Commodore and found two people with burns.
A man has been charged after a woman was rushed to hospital with burns to 38 per cent of her body after she was reportedly set on fire before a car exploded in far east Perth
Neighbors told Nine News that a woman was seen running about 100 yards from the crime scene, screaming and on fire as she ripped clothes from her body, before rushing to help.
The RAC rescue helicopter was needed to fly the 33-year-old woman to Fiona Stanley Hospital with partial-thickness burns, also known as third-degree burns, to 38 percent of her body – including her face.
Meanwhile, the woman’s 42-year-old recently divorced ex-husband was taken to the same hospital by St. John Ambulance with superficial burns.
WA police said on Sunday that the man has been charged with grievous bodily harm.
He was taken into custody shortly after his release from hospital and is due to appear before Perth Magistrates Court on Sunday.
Police were called to reports of a car on fire near the corner of Honey St and Mill End in Mount Helena, about 35km east of Perth’s CBD, at around 6.25pm Friday
WA Police Inspector Glen Beros told media on Saturday that the incident is tragic.
“A young woman has significant burns on her body, which will take a long time to treat, and then the rest of her life will be affected,” Inspector Beros said.
“The research is still in its infancy, but they had a family relationship and there was violence.”
Anyone with information about the incident should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or make a report online.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you can get help by calling 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).