Bennett : “3-Year-Old Boy Badly Burned in Truck Fire”

A harrowing incident in Belton, South Carolina has left a 3-year-old boy, identified as Bennett, fighting for his life in a Georgia burn center. The young child sustained third degree burns covering 90% of his body after a traumatic sequence of events involving his father, Joshua Dornellas.

The ordeal began when the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office received a distress call from a residence in Belton. Reports indicate that Dornellas had violently assaulted Bennett’s mother before kidnapping the child and fleeing the scene.

Law enforcement officers tracked Dornellas in an unmarked vehicle as he drove with Bennett in the front seat. Dornellas reportedly made threats against the child’s life, prompting a cautious approach by the authorities.

The situation escalated when Dornellas crossed into Georgia on I-85, prompting a pursuit by Georgia State Patrol troopers. During the chase, Dornellas deliberately set fire to the vehicle. As smoke filled the truck, he exited through the window while it was still moving at 55 miles per hour, leaving Bennett trapped inside.

The truck crashed and burst into flames, with Bennett still inside. Swift action by emergency responders from multiple agencies was crucial in rescuing the child from the burning vehicle. Despite the heroic efforts, Bennett suffered severe burns and had to be airlifted to the Augusta Burn Center for specialised care.

Following the incident, Dornellas was apprehended by Georgia State Patrol and taken to Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center for treatment of his injuries. He now faces a slew of charges in both South Carolina and Georgia for his role in the disturbing events.

Deputies revealed that Dornellas had a troubling history of violence, including leaving five young children unattended at home in a previous incident. He had also been charged with domestic violence and had a restraining order filed against him by the mother of his children.

In a statement, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office expressed solidarity with Bennett’s mother and urged the community to keep the young boy in their thoughts and prayers as he battles through critical care at the trauma center.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Bennett and his family during this challenging time. Donations will go towards medical expenses, rehabilitation, and general assistance for Bennett and his single mother, Chelsea, as they navigate the long road to recovery.