A young man suffered severe injuries after being intentionally set on fire as a result of an ongoing dispute between two families in a small town. Jacob Thompson, 19, sustained burns covering 32 percent of his body, with third-degree burns on his face, torso, arms, back, and legs following the incident on Cowper Street in Coonabarabran, Australia, on October 13.

According to reports, a group of individuals approached Jacob and doused him with a flammable substance, causing him to catch fire. Passersby intervened and extinguished the flames before he was rushed to intensive care. Authorities suspect that the attack was linked to a feud between the families in the town.

The New South Wales Police revealed that Jacob was targeted due to the ongoing dispute, with Aaron Valette, 19, allegedly threatening to burn him before carrying out the attack. Jacob’s family has relocated out of safety concerns and has been supporting him at Concord Hospital in Sydney, where he was airlifted for treatment.

Jacob’s family shared details about his injuries, stating that he was placed in an induced coma on life support due to the severity of his burns and airway damage. They mentioned the long road ahead for his recovery and the need to move to a safer environment for his treatment and family’s well-being.

Though Jacob initially required life support, his condition has slightly improved. He continues to face challenges with breathing and eye injuries, along with a dislocated shoulder that necessitates ongoing care and monitoring.

Despite the traumatic incident, Jacob’s family reported that he remains positive and is gradually coming to terms with the situation. Authorities arrested Valette, along with Mavis Chatfield, 45, and a 17-year-old girl in connection with the attack. Valette faces charges of causing grievous bodily harm and affray, while Chatfield is charged with affray and both were denied bail. The teenage girl was released pending further investigation.