Story By: Maja Mishevksa, Sub Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash
CEN
A brave 13-year-old boy who ran into his burning house to save his pet dog has died after suffering serious burns.
Jean Alvarez had managed to escape from the fire in his house caused by the explosion of a lorry transporting gas in the district of Villa el Salvador, in the city of Lima, Peruvian capital, but he decided to go back into the building to save his pet dog, Lester.
He helped save the pooch but suffered burn injuries to 70 percent of his body and was taken to the Intensive Care Unit of the Almenara hospital.
The family organised fundraising to help pay for the boy’s medical bills. They created a poster saying “he loves his dog. He had gone out from the fire and went back for his pet dog and there the fire caught him”.
The boy has now died as a result of the injuries he suffered in the fire and he joins 22 others who died in the tragedy. The fire took place when a lorry transporting gas suffered a failure while crossing the road, causing the gas to leak. A fire and explosion then rocked the area.
Lester managed to recover from its injuries thanks to the support of the vets and is currently living with Jean’s relatives, the Peruvian Association of Animal Protection (Asociacion Peruana de Proteccion a los Animales-ASPPA) said on Facebook.
They added: “The pet is surrounded by the love of the relatives of the dead boy and was in his funeral”.
Images of the dog show it dressed in a t-shirt with a picture of the teen printed on it. The association said: “Lester is considered part of the family. He is in very good health, a bit sad but surrounded by a lot of love. We just arrived at Jean’s vigil and we could see Lester, and the whole family, they all wore a white shirt with the picture of the heroic boy.
“It was a touching meeting, especially to talk and confirm they love him and will take care of him forever as another member of the family”.
Jean’s grandmother said: “He always repeated to me, granny if you love me, you love me along with my dog”.
The latest victim has been named as Julia Romero Lucas de Miranda, 65, who had been hospitalised since the tragedy on 23rd January.
An artist shared a touching drawing of the boy holding the pooch.
The dog is currently being cared for Luis Lizeta, a cousin of the victim.
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