16-Year-Old Seriously Injured After Bonfire Explodes, Police Say

Authorities in Arizona are searching for a person who allegedly threw a car component into a bonfire, triggering an explosion that seriously injured a 16-year-old girl.

Phoenix police said the blast occurred at about 10:30 p.m. Oct. 30 in a desert area near New River and Saddle Mountain roads.

Jaidynn Penberthy suffered a broken jaw, several facial fractures, broken teeth and burns, according to a GoFundMe campaign.

Ethan Glass, Penberthy”s brother, told local CBS affiliate KPHO that his sister was standing roughly 10 feet from the fire when someone tossed a car shock absorber into the flames. The part exploded, sending shrapnel into Jaidynn”s mouth and knocking her unconscious, Glass said.

“There was a lot of blood,” Glass told the station. “It was like a scene out of a horror movie.”

Other partygoers provided lifesaving assistance while Jaidynn”s friends rushed to find help.

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She briefly lost her pulse, prompting a friend to perform a sternum rub.

“[Her friend] said that she lost her pulse for like a minute,” Glass recalled.

Jaidynn remains hospitalized and faces a lengthy recovery.

“At just 16 years old, Jaidynn is going through something no one should ever have to experience,” the GoFundMe campaign said. “The past few days have been incredibly difficult, and while there are still many unknowns, our main focus is making sure she receives the care and support she needs to make a full recovery.”

Police believe the suspect is in their teens or early 20s. Anyone with information is urged to contact Phoenix police or Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS.

Glass told KPHO that he wants the person responsible to be held accountable.

“Being kind of an older brother definitely makes me frustrated a lot. I mean, I really don’t understand why he would do something of the sort. It makes no sense,” Glass said.