A 9-year-old boy suffered serious burn injuries Sunday after a dirt bike crash in Biddeford triggered a flash fire, according to investigators with the Maine Office of State Fire Marshal.
The incident occurred on July 26 at 23 St. Joseph Street, where investigators responded at the request of the Biddeford Fire Department following a fire involving a small dirt bike.
According to the investigation, the juvenile was operating a dirt bike with an engine displacement of less than 50cc in a parking lot when the crash occurred. Firefighters arriving at the scene found the dirt bike heavily damaged by fire, with extensive burning to the seat and heat damage to the fuel tank and engine. The 9-year-old was located nearby suffering from burn injuries to his legs.
Investigators said a nearby homeowner provided surveillance video that captured the incident. The footage showed the juvenile riding the dirt bike before striking a curb and continuing forward until the bike tipped onto its side. As the motorcycle fell, a flash fire erupted.
The child was transported to Maine Medical Center in Portland for initial treatment before being transferred to a specialized burn center in Boston because of the severity of his injuries.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office determined that the fire was accidental. Investigators concluded that gasoline leaked from the dirt bike’s fuel system after the crash and ignited when it came into contact with hot engine components.
The Office of State Fire Marshal is reminding the public that gasoline is highly flammable and that fuel leaks following crashes can ignite almost immediately if they reach hot engine or exhaust components. Officials also urged riders to properly maintain off-road vehicles and wear appropriate protective gear while operating them.
