Watch CBS News

Fitchburg Brothers Burned By Bonfire On The Road to Recovery

BOSTON (CBS) -- Two Fitchburg brothers who were seriously burned by an apparent bonfire explosion Saturday have received an outpouring of well wishes from the public while in recovery at Shriners Hospital for Children in Boston.

"Due to the serious nature of this incident, we haven't been able to reach out to everyone and express our gratitude," the family said in a public statement Tuesday. "We'd all like to thank everyone for the outpouring of support, prayers, and positive thoughts."

Jameson Carroll, 13, and his brother Jaxon Carroll, 11, were at a bonfire in the backyard of their home. Their mother went inside to get more marshmallows, when one of the boys tried to keep the fire going. Investigators believe one of the boys had thrown gasoline into the fire when the can exploded.

Jaxon sustained minimal burns and is expected to make a full recovery. Older brother Jameson sustained more serious burns and is expected to remain in the hospital for a longer period of time.

"All Jameson and Jax want to do is return to their normal lives hanging out with their friends, playing sports, going to school and playing video games," the family said.

Officials who responded to the incident on Saturday described the "chaotic" scene.

"We saw two victims in the road," said Fitchburg Deputy Fire Chief Thomas Dateo. "It was a little bit chaotic."

Neighbors who spoke to WBZ-TV's Julie Loncich said the noise sounded like a blown transformer.

"When we came out of the house and we heard there was an explosion, and there was a guy laying on the ground on fire. His pants were already burned off," neighbor Norton Forcier told WBZ-TV.

Breanna Camire, another neighbor who saw the incident, ran into her home and grabbed a towel.

"I just kind hit at him and the fire on the ground, seemed to be the remnants of his pants, apparently and just held him still so he wouldn't thrash," Camire said.

Anyone wishing to send cards or letters to the brothers can reach out at this address:

Shriners Hospitals for Children
Attention: Jameson / Jaxon
51 Blossom Street
c/o 8th floor ACU
Boston, MA. 02114

Anyone interested in making a donation can do so at www.YouCaring.com or at www.SharingCounts.com or at www.GoFundMe.com

MORE LOCAL NEWS FROM CBS BOSTON

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.