Footage shows the moment flames engulfed a dancer at a busy restaurant near Bogota, Colombia, sending the panicked woman running for help.
The victim, Laura Villamil, can be seen with several dancers carrying flaming torches at the crowded Andrés Carnes de Res restaurant on Saturday in Chía, Cundinamarca, six miles north of Bogotá.
That’s when the 28-year-old’s skirt suddenly catches fire, engulfing the frenzied performer in flames as shocked witnesses look on.
Laura reportedly ran to another part of the restaurant, where an employee used a suit and a blanket to put out the flames.
He suffered burns over 80 percent of his body and is in critical condition, said his brother, Santiago Villamil. Caracol News.
Laura Villamil suffered burns on 80 percent of her body after her skirt caught fire while performing at a restaurant near Bogotá, Colombia
The 28-year-old’s skirt suddenly caught fire, surrounding her in flames as shocked witnesses looked on.
Laura was rushed to a local medical center and then to the Santa Fe Foundation clinic in Bogota, where she is fighting for her life, her brother said.
“He has a tracheotomy and is on mechanical ventilation. Doctors have treated his wounds and done everything necessary,” said Santiago Villamil.
“The prognosis is reserved and the improvement is minimal. We are waiting to see how he develops after the interventions.”
On Monday, Laura’s condition worsened to the point that the family thought she was going to die.
“It’s a miracle she’s alive. Three days ago we had an episode where her vital signs dropped and she was practically dead,” her brother said.
He suffered burns over 80 percent of his body and is in critical condition, his brother said.
Laura Villamil suffered first- and second-degree burns, according to her brother. Most of the burns were on her genitals and back.
Villamil, who is also an actress, has reportedly been working at the restaurant for five years.
In a statement, Andrés Carnes de Res expressed his support for Laura and her family while addressing the restaurant’s response to the incident.
“From the first moment this unfortunate event occurred, all established safety and care protocols were immediately and effectively activated, which allowed her to be transferred as quickly as possible to a first-class medical center,” the restaurant said.
“The company management has been present at the hospital, supporting the worker’s family, monitoring her medical progress and reiterating its commitment to support.”
Villamil has been working at the restaurant for five years.
The mayor of the Colombian city of Chía said an initial report determined the fire was the result of “an occupational hazard.”
Andrés Carnes de Res said his fire show has been suspended while the restaurant reviews safety conditions.
The mayor of Chía, Leonardo Donoso, said in a statement that the results of an initial inspection indicate that the accident was the result of “an occupational hazard” and that the workers’ compensation board “will be responsible for indicating what omissions were committed.”
‘Just as it was an artist, which should not have happened, it could have happened with the kitchen staff, in the parking lot,’ said Donoso. ‘The question is whether this type of activity with fire, like the one that triggered the event, should have been carried out.
‘Risk management staff and a multidisciplinary team carried out the respective reviews, checking fire extinguishers, emergency exits, emergency plans, evacuation lines and everything complies with this, including their care brigade and a contract with a group that provides care in case of medical emergency,’ said the mayor.
