Boy burned as toy steam engine erupts in flames

11:35am Tuesday 16th October 2007

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A FIVE-year-old boy suffered horrific burns after being badly burned when a working model steam engine allegedly "burst into flames".

Spencer Connolly, of Sidlaw Road, Billingham, Cleveland had severe injuries that left him in a "critical" condition in hospital and needing operations and skin grafts to repair the damage.

Another boy was also seriously injured and two other children, including Spencer's eight year old sister, Georgia, were hurt.

It has prompted an investigation by trading standards chiefs, who are trying to establish exactly what happened.

But officials say they are not aware of any similar incidents involving the Mamod model traction engine, which has been sold for many years.

The youngsters were at a relative's home when the accident happened.

It is understood a teenage boy had the model steam engine at the time.

Spencer's father Shane Connolly, 31 said: "My two kids have told us what has happened.

"Apparently there was a massive bang. It has literally burst into flames. The next thing there are two kids on fire."

He said his son was "burned from top to toe".

"He was in intensive care for the first seven days. We didn't know whether he would live or die."

Spencer was rushed to James Cook University Hospital after the accident.

He was later transferred, first to Newcastle General Hospital and then to the RVI in the same city.

Spencer spent nearly six weeks in hospital and needed a number of operations and skin grafts.

Mother Heather, 32, said: "He was in a critical condition for seven days. They told us to take every day as it comes.

"It was horrible. It was the worst thing a parent can go through."

Spencer is now home but is still "top to toe in bandages", said father Shane.

"He is possibly going to be scarred for life."

The accident has led to an investigation by Stockton Council trading standards officials.

Dave Kitching, trading standards and licensing manager for Stockton Council, said: "A formal investigation is under way and we are liaising with the manufacturer, the trading standards authority in the area where the manufacturer is based, Cleveland Police and Cleveland Fire Service.

"We are trying to establish exactly what happened on the day in question.

We are not aware of any similar incidents of this nature and we understand that this model has been sold for a number of years. At the moment there is nothing to indicate there is an actual problem with the model itself."

The Mamod company is a long-established British toy manufacturer specialising in live steam models. All models are tested to strict standards and safety valves control the working pressures of all units.

Manufacturers recommend they should only be used under adult supervision.

A spokesman at Mamod said the company would need to know all the circumstances behind the accident before commenting.