7 News Belize

Man Who Survived Explosion Flown To Burn Center
posted (July 12, 2018)
Burn Victim, 21 year old Grayson Cadle survived a terrible explosion at his Mahogany Street apartment on Monday. He was left with burns to 70% of his body. And that's why tonight, he's being taken via air ambulance to the Doctors Hospital in Augusta, Georgia where he will spend the next 3 to 4 months.

He will be getting free treatment through the Burn Victim Mercy Fund. We were at the hospital when Cadle was taken from the KHMH to the waiting air ambulance. Courtney Weatherburne has the story.

Courtney Weatherburne reporting
Grayson Cadle's young life almost ended on Monday evening when his apartment exploded.

Fire officials say it was caused by a gas leak in the apartment next to Cadle's on the lower flat. He was inside sleeping at the time of the blast. But Cadle was able to race out of the burning building with flames scorching his body.

Voice of: Resident
"I just see the young man run out in boxers, all burnt up."

"He ran out, he was burnt, half of his head was still on fire.."

It was a terrifying scene for residents and even more so for his mother when she saw him at the hospital. He was barely recognizable.

Marianne Cadle, Mother
"Up to now he has his eyes here covered with black, his mouth covered with black it is not a nice scene to see him that way."

70 percent of Cadle's body was burnt. He was in an induced coma but he is responding a little better.

Now his journey to full recovery continues at Doctors Hospital in Augusta, Georgia. Yvette Burkes from the Burn Victim Mercy Fund stepped in to get Cadle the medical treatment he needs in the US.

Marianne Cadle, Mother
"The network got started with Mrs. Burkes, that is a wonderful lady. God gave her that knowledge to…yes for that Burn fund I mean having somebody like that reaching out like that to burnt victims, I would say kudos to her."

Courtney Weatherburne, reporter
"He will get the full treatment over there, everything?"

Marianne Cadle, Mother
"Yes he will be getting free medical treatment but the only funds that we have to make sure we raise, I will be diligently doing that, well my family because I have to go with Grayson."

"The fund for the air ambulance that is costing $34,000 Belize dollars yes we have to come up with that money."

But beyond getting the finances in order, all Cadle's family wants is for him to recover and be reunited with them. That is the hope they are all holding on to.

Marianne Cadle, Mother
"Grayson is a God's child, is a child of God and trust me when I saw my son just now waving to me, that rips me up but I know Grayson, if I don't know my son I won't know him again, he is a strong child and all his family, and when I say family I mean his church, his praise team. Those people are very very supportive."

We will keep following his progress.

As you heard, Cadle's family has to raise $34,000 to pay for the airlift ambulance. If you would like to assist the family you can send your donations to the Belize Bank Burn Victim Mercy Fund account. The number is 1386 6801 0120001. Those wishing to help can also call Yvette Burks at 6103890.

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