15-year-old Millerton youth attempts to copy a dangerous online stunt and causes fire and explosion

Millerton, New York – On June 29, 2017 at approximately 4:30 p.m., New York State Police from the Dover Plains barracks responded to a structure fire reported on South Center Street in the Village of Millerton.

An investigation determined that a 15-year-old juvenile had attempted to copy a dangerous online stunt.  The juvenile doused his finger in rubbing alcohol and then set it on fire while standing at the kitchen sink.   As the juvenile panicked, he inadvertently transferred the fire to the rubbing alcohol bottle which exploded.  The explosion caused his shirt and the kitchen curtains to catch fire.  He subsequently ran to a nearby business where a Good Samaritan from the business was able to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher.  The teen was transported by ambulance to Sharon Hospital with burns to his upper torso.  He was later transported to Westchester Medical Center for further medical treatment.

The case remains under investigation.  The State Police would like to warn parents about this dangerous stunt involving accelerants.

Millerton Fire Department and EMS responded to the scene.