A second woman has died after receiving horrific burns in a Canary Island tradition which went horribly wrong.

The 17-year-old girl lost her battle for life in hospital two months after the tragedy on Gran Canaria during an event known as “la Suela del Perro Maldito”.

The Mayor of Valsequillo said they were devastated because although she had received 60% burns, the indications were she was slowly winning her fight. He immediately declared two days of official mourning.

A 51-year-old mother of two in the audience also died one week after the shocking incident where an actor’s suit, thought to be made of cardboard and plastic, was accidentally set on fire by a flame thrower. He managed to tear it off but the burning material flew into the crowd. He and two others are still recovering in hospital and many others needed treatment for extreme shock.

Many Christmas events in the town were cancelled, as was the festive party for council staff as a mark of respect.

 

Tenerife News edition 441