Toddler survives fire that killed mother and burned 95% of body – World News

WARNING: SOOTHING IMAGES Elizabeth Moreno, of New York, USA, was caught in the home fire with her two young children after her lodger allegedly set fire to their home in revenge

This brave little boy survived burns to 95 percent of his body after an angry lodger allegedly set fire to his family’s home, killing his mother and sister.

Two-year-old Liam was set on fire at the home in New York, United States, along with his six-year-old sister Ema, his mother Elizabeth and his grandfather Claudino.

Aunt Denise Moreno, 45, remembers her nephew as a handsome boy with lots of character and sass who loved playing with his big sister and being with family, especially his mother.

However, that changed abruptly when smoke began to rise from her home in July 2019.

The tragic fire is believed to have been started by an arsonist who came to New York City looking for a job and stayed at the Moreno family home while he adjusted.

But the family realized he wasn’t mentally stable and asked him to leave when he became aggressive and set their house on fire in revenge.

The lodger died in the fire, which the family tried to escape before emergency services arrived.

Crews found Elizabeth and Liam near the front door trying to escape, where a firefighter had to resuscitate Liam, saving his life.

The boy was taken to the hospital by an ambulance along with his mother.

Program manager Denise recalls leaving work in a hurry and arriving at home in disbelief. Liam’s condition was extremely critical with 95 percent of his body burned.

When they arrived at the hospital, Denise was told that Liam had less than a one percent chance of survival.

And if he survived, he would need 24-hour care for the rest of his life.

Liam’s body was extremely swollen and he couldn’t open his eyes or mouth. He was covered in medical equipment and his stomach had to be opened to release the pressure.

He also had to undergo extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as his body had failed.

Here a machine is attached to the patient and used to replace the function of the heart and lungs.

In July 2019, doctors informed Denise that in order for Liam to survive, his right foot, fingers and toes would need to be amputated as his limbs would no longer receive the blood flow necessary to prevent further infection.

After over a year in hospital, Liam was finally allowed home in November 2020, where he entered the full-time foster care of Denise’s sister-in-law, Rafelina Moreno, 50.

While they’re grateful he’s finally home, the amount of care and attention he needs has been overwhelming.

He has since returned to the hospital to undergo 35 more surgeries, including multiple skin grafts, a neck realignment and surgeries on his intestines.

In addition, he receives up to five home therapies per day, five days a week, which include speech therapy, swallowing aids and individual examinations, as well as general check-ups by the doctors several times a month.

Denise worries that Liam will be bullied in the future because of his looks and movements.

Despite the long road to recovery, the toddler shows perseverance every day.

Denise recalled the day of the fire: “I was packing my things at work when I received a notification via an app on my phone alerting me to a mass fire in my neighborhood. When I clicked the link, my heart sank as I realized it was my family’s home.

“I was in complete disbelief and rushed out of work to go to the house where my phone rang every time there was another serious note.

“When I arrived I fell to my knees in shock and fear of the house falling apart.”

It is understood that Elizabeth first attempted to flee with Liam when she was found at the front door holding him.

While Claudino reportedly had a physical fight with the arsonist while trying to save his family.

“The first floor neighbor first called 911 after an explosion was heard and after five minutes firefighters showed up where they first pulled Liam out and performed CPR on him which saved his life.

“Liam was wrapped up and taken to hospital by ambulance as he was in extremely critical condition.

“When I got to the hospital, I noticed that his whole body was extremely swollen where his eyes and mouth were completely closed. Shortly thereafter, he was fully bandaged to relieve the pressure from the burns and placed on a medical device to help him breathe.

“Paramedics then informed me that his intestines were starting to swell and to save his life they had to open his stomach to relieve the pressure.

“Although our entire family has been in utter fear for Liam’s condition, at every step the doctors have reassured us that they are doing everything in their power to help his serious condition.

“Even so, it was very easy to lose hope and we held even more firmly to our faith and prayed not only for Liam but for Elizabeth as well.”

In August 2020, the family learned of Elizabeth’s death as her condition never stabilized.

While Denise was absolutely heartbroken, she had to turn her attention to Liam, who was still in critical condition with no immediate family by his side.

She added: “Liam is taking everything from day to day and he’s starting to get used to seeing the therapists which has been a huge breakthrough as it makes my job as a caregiver a little easier.

“We learned through Liam and his struggle that you can never give up and that every day is a gift that shouldn’t be taken for granted.”