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A teenager was seriously injured following an arson attack that occurred Tuesday night at a home in southwest Miami-Dade.
According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office (MDSO), an unidentified incendiary device was thrown at a house located in the 27000 block of 143rd Place, in the southwestern part of the county.
The incident occurred shortly after 10:00 PM, at which point authorities responded to the emergency call.
A relative of the victim, who was not identified, told the channel Telemundo 51 that the thrown object was believed to be a Molotov cocktail, intentionally thrown while several children, including his nieces and nephew, were watching television.
She is a 16-year-old girl who suffered burns on 80% of her body. She was sitting in a chair with two younger cousins when the explosion reached her.
According to the official report, she was initially taken to Homestead Hospital by a family member, but due to the severity of her injuries, she had to be airlifted by the Miami-Dade Fire Department to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital, which specializes in pediatric trauma.
This Wednesday morning, she underwent surgery. Her condition was described as critical, although no details regarding her progress have been disclosed.
"They were listening to music and having fun when I heard an explosion, I stepped out of my room and saw my niece on fire," recounted an uncle to Univisión.
The girl's screams alerted her relatives, who took her out of the house to pour water on her. The other children were unharmed.
The family suspects a very close person as the perpetrator of the attack.
"I believe he could have done it, I think he was involved in this," said the girl's uncle. "He definitely knows the family and definitely has a history of violence," he emphasized.
The Arson Department of the MDSO has taken over the investigation, but so far there has been no information regarding possible suspects or the motive behind the attack.
Authorities continue to gather evidence at the scene and interview witnesses. The case has caused alarm in the local community due to the violence of the incident and the fact that minors were present during the attack.
The family of the minor has requested respect for their privacy while they await updates on her health status.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Arson Attack in Miami-Dade
What happened in the arson attack in Miami-Dade?
A 16-year-old girl was critically injured after an arson attack at her home in southwest Miami-Dade. An incendiary device, possibly a Molotov cocktail, was intentionally thrown at the house while several children were inside, resulting in burns over 80% of the young woman's body.
What is the health status of the affected teenager?
The young girl was transferred to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital, specialized in pediatric trauma, where she underwent surgery and her condition has been described as critical. No details about her current progress have been revealed.
Who is the suspect in the arson attack?
Although the victim's family suspects a close individual who has a history of violence, the authorities have not yet provided information on specific suspects or the motivation behind the attack.
How has the community reacted to the attack?
The incident has raised alarm in the local community due to the violence of the event and the presence of minors during the attack. The authorities continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses to clarify the facts.
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