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Darwin Awards
2006 Slush Pile

This item was recently submitted by a reader.
Should I include it in the archive?
Vote to tell me what *you* think!

Self-Immolation Prank Misfires

2006 Reader Submission
Pending Acceptance

Basically I read in the Evening Standard (a London UK newspaper) of a man called Mark Williams who "doused himself in petrol" "as a prank" to "wind up" his girlfriend Natasha Fuge.

"A few moments later", the story says, "Mr Williams, thinking the petrol had evaporated, lit a cigarette and exploded in flames."

It doesn't mention that he had children, which is not conclusive proof that he qualifies for an award, but it seems probable that he hasn't had legitimate progeny.

The Mirror: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/tm_objectid=17034629&method=full&siteid=94762&headline=death-of-lad-in-fire-joke--name_page.html

The Sun: http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2006200785,00.html

BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/4973964.stm

icWales: http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0200wales/page.cfm?objectid=17033185&method=full&siteid=50082

The first two may not be paragons of accuracy and the BBC doesn't mention self-immolation, but I thought that it might be enough information to be worth following up.

Full text:

Fire death agony after petrol joke goes wrong

A PRACTICAL joker who burst into flames in front of his horrified girlfriend has died.

Mark Williams, 21, doused himself in petrol to "wind up" Natasha Fuge as a prank at about 3:45am.

A few moments later Mr Williams, thinking the petrol had evaporated, lit a cigarette and exploded in flames.

He stumbled into the living room, thrashing about and screaming in agony.

Ms Fuge's screams woke her father Phillip who tried to beat out the flames with his hands.

Mr Williams suffered burns to 96% of his body. He was taken to the speciality burns unit at Swansea's Morriston hospital where doctors fought for two days to save his life.

The semi-detached house in Llanelli caught fire. Today Mr Fuge was seen removing burned furniture into the garden.

Neighbour Gwyneth Griffiths said: "Phillip told me it was a prank which went too far."

Another neighbour said he understood Mr Williams had been "messing about" with petrol or gas lighter fuel.

"He probably thought the vapours had gone and it was safe to light up."

An inquest will be held later.

Submitted on 05/10/2006

Submitted by: Anonymous
Reference: Evening Standard 4th May 2006

Copyright © 2006 DarwinAwards.com

>> Moderator Scores <<

James said:
Definitely Toss: Repeat
Thanks, we already have this story in full detail!


Sheryl said:
Definitely Toss: Repeat
As James said.


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