Fire Marshals Investigate Biddeford Dirt Bike Accident That Left 9-Year-Old Boy With Burns

What started as some weekend fun turned into a serious situation fast for one youngster in Biddeford on Sunday.

The Maine Department of Public Safety says the Biddeford Fire Department was called out to a parking lot at 23 St. Joseph Street in Biddeford, where they found a dirt bike that had been badly damaged by fire, and the young boy who had been operating the bike, who was seriously injured nearby.

Authorities say the bike's seat, fuel tank, and engine had significant heat damage.

"A 9-year-old male juvenile was found nearby with burn injuries to his legs. During the investigation, a nearby homeowner provided surveillance video that captured the incident. The video showed the juvenile riding the dirt bike before striking a curb and continuing forward until the bike tipped onto its side. As the motorcycle fell, a flash fire occurred."

The Fire Marshal's office was called in. After an investigation, they believe the fire was accidentally sparked when the bike, which had an engine displacement of less than 50 cc, crashed and fuel leaked out onto hot engine parts, igniting the vehicle.

The young boy was first sent to Maine Med in Portland, but because of how serious his burns were, he ended up in Boston at a specialized burn center.

Maine fire officials say this tragic crash is a reminder of how important it is to make sure riders keep their equipment properly maintained and wear protective gear at all times when using these types of "off-road" vehicles.

Experts say these gasoline-powered vehicles are at risk of catching fire after a crash because the fuel is highly flammable.