A Mexican father is pleading for public help after his 12-year-old daughter suffered burns across 40 percent of her body when her Day of the Dead costume ignited during a school ceremony.
José Osorio turned to social media to ask for donations as his daughter Zaira Osorio fights for recovery in a Mexico City hospital, where she was transferred following the Wednesday incident at Teodomiro Manzano High School in Huasca de Ocampo, Hidalgo.
The ceremony had featured students modeling traditional outfits on stage to mark the Mexican holiday. Zaira Osorio wore a gold-colored dress constructed from tamale leaves, a material that proved dangerously flammable when it brushed against a candle placed on a table behind her.
Video footage captured the terrifying progression of the accident. The lower back of her costume erupted in flames moments after she moved toward her right, and a male classmate immediately attempted to smother the fire with his bare hands.
The flames spread despite his efforts. Osorio remained standing on the platform as classmates screamed around her, maintaining stillness while two staff members rushed to escort her down from the stage.
The minute-long footage showed the fire consuming more of her dress as she walked in circles, with bystanders stripping off their jackets to beat at the flames. Someone eventually grabbed a bucket of water and doused her.
“Zaira suffered a terrible incident inside a secondary school, which resulted in burns over a large part of her body,” José Osorio wrote in his social media appeal. “Currently, she is facing a delicate situation that requires constant medical attention and care.”
He continued, “Medical expenses have been very high and, my family, is doing everything that is in our hands to support her in this difficult process. However, expenses continue to increase, and we need solidarity from all the people who can offer us a hand.”
The event MC could be heard over the chaos urging the crowd to stay “calm” as Osorio made her way back up toward the stage during the ordeal.
Osorio was first taken to a children’s medical facility in Huasca de Ocampo before doctors arranged her transfer to the capital for more specialized care. She is being treated for second-degree burns.
Her father fired back at authorities over their silence since the incident. “In such a serious situation, we believe it is essential that our family receives attention, accountability, and support,” he added in his post.
The Hidalgo state Ministry of Education confirmed Wednesday that it opened an investigation into how the accident occurred. According to Azteca Noticias, flammable objects are already prohibited in schools under existing rules.
The traditional Day of the Dead celebration, observed November 1-2, sees families and communities across Mexico honoring deceased loved ones with elaborate altars, offerings, and costumes including the iconic “catrina” figure that Osorio had been portraying.