Teen Fighting for Life After Being Doused in Petrol and Set Alight in Coonabarabran

A 19-year-old Australian man is fighting for his life in hospital after he was allegedly doused in petrol and set alight during a violent attack in Coonabarabran, New South Wales.

The victim, identified as Jacob Thompson, sustained severe injuries when he was set on fire on Monday, October 13, 2025, at around 6:00 p.m. local time.

According to the New South Wales Police, Jacob was walking along Cowper Street when he was approached by a group consisting of one man and two women. Police allege that a member of the group poured a liquid over him before he caught alight.

Quick-thinking passers-by managed to extinguish the flames, saving Jacob’s life before emergency services arrived at the scene. He was initially treated by paramedics and then airlifted to Sydney due to the extent of his injuries.

Jacob’s family later confirmed that he suffered third-degree burns to 32 per cent of his body, including his face, torso, arms, back, and legs. Due to serious damage to his airways, he was placed in an induced coma and remains on life support at Concord Hospital in Sydney’s Inner West.

In a statement, the family described the ordeal as “deeply traumatic,” revealing that Jacob’s immediate family and partner witnessed the incident, leaving both physical and emotional scars.

“This deeply traumatic incident was witnessed by his immediate family and partner, leaving physical and emotional scars that will take a lifetime to heal,” the statement read.

Police confirmed that three suspects a 45-year-old woman, a 19-year-old man, and a 17-year-old girl were arrested shortly after the attack at a nearby property.

According to authorities, the 19-year-old man has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and affray, while the 45-year-old woman was also charged with affray. Both have been refused bail. The 17-year-old girl was released pending further investigation.

Detectives from the New South Wales Police Force’s Orana Mid-Western Police District have launched a full investigation into the incident.

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe campaign has been created to help the Thompson family with relocation and ongoing medical expenses.

“The family would be grateful if you could support by donating, no matter how big or small,” the message on the fundraising page reads. “Every cent will make a difference towards helping Jacob and his family rebuild their lives.”

The incident has sparked widespread shock and outrage across Australia, reigniting conversations about community safety and youth violence.

As of the latest update, Jacob remains in intensive care, with his family by his side.