~courtesy of The Scranton Journal
Two young men are receiving treatment at the Burn Center of the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital in Iowa City following an early morning fire outside Scranton early New Year’s morning.
Harley McDonald, 15, and his friend Lucas Oakes were asleep in a cabin they had worked on when tragedy struck .
Lucas awoke to find Harley fully engulfed in flames. A Facebook post by Harley’s mother, Angelina (Nina) McDonald, says “Lucas saved Harley’s life by his quick actions and determination to help his best friend. Harley has third degree burns on over 90 percent of his body and Lucas received severe burns to his hands, arms, and face while trying to save Harley.”
The young men were taken to St Anthony Regional Hospital in Carroll and then transferred to Iowa City for advanced treatment.
Nina continued, “They have a long road ahead of them and we’ll appreciate all the prayers we can get.”
The Scranton fire department and Greene County sheriff’s office responded to the scene of the fire in the 1100 block of H Ave at 3:48 am. Officials found the cabin was burned to the ground.
The cause of the blaze is still under investigation but Greene County sheriff Jack Williams commented there was a wood burning stove in the cabin.
Harley is the son of Nina and Dustin McDonald of Scranton. He underwent emergency surgery on his right arm and hand on Sunday. The right side of his body is severely burned while the left side is burned but not as quite as severely.
The two families appreciate the support of friends and relatives.
An account has been established at Peoples Bank for friends who want to contribute money to help the McDonald family.
Also, a Venmo account has been started to assist the McDonalds. Donations are appreciated: Angelina McDonald@harleyde314.
