9-Year-Old Miami Boy Recovering After Severe Sparkler Accident

The child suffered second- and third-degree burns to 18% of his body and has undergone multiple surgeries.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 11:39pm

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A 9-year-old boy named Santiago Claudio is recovering in the hospital after suffering severe burns while playing with sparklers in his backyard. The accident occurred on January 1st when Santiago was being watched by his brother and lit a sparkler, causing his shirt to catch fire. Santiago suffered second- and third-degree burns to about 18% of his body and has undergone multiple surgeries, including skin grafts, as he continues to receive treatment.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers of fireworks and sparklers, especially when children are unsupervised. Hospital officials say they treated over 100 pediatric burn cases last year, and they hope Santiago's story serves as a warning to parents about the risks involved.

The details

Santiago Claudio, a 9-year-old boy, was playing with sparklers in his backyard on January 1st when his shirt caught fire. He suffered second- and third-degree burns to about 18% of his body and has been hospitalized since the accident, undergoing multiple surgeries and skin grafts. Santiago's mother was at work at the time, and he was being watched by his brother when the incident occurred.

  • The accident happened on January 1st, 2026.
  • Santiago has been hospitalized since the accident on January 1st.
  • Santiago is expected to be released from the hospital on Monday.

The players

Santiago Claudio

A 9-year-old boy who suffered severe burns in a sparkler accident and has been hospitalized since January 1st, undergoing multiple surgeries and skin grafts.

Vitini Rammin

The director of the Trauma and Burn Program at HCA Florida Kendall Hospital, where Santiago is receiving treatment.

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What they’re saying

“I was on fire. I was so hot.”

— Santiago Claudio (cbsnews.com)

“They took skin from my leg, from my back to put it in my stomach.”

— Santiago Claudio (cbsnews.com)

“It was so hard. I was so desperate.”

— Santiago's mother (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Santiago is expected to be released from the hospital on Monday. Next week marks National Burn Awareness Week, and hospital officials hope Santiago's story serves as a warning to parents about the dangers of fireworks and sparklers.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the serious risks associated with fireworks and sparklers, especially when children are unsupervised. It serves as a reminder for parents to closely monitor their children's activities and take necessary precautions to prevent such accidents from occurring.