Filipino law student severely burned in fraternity explosion in Massachusetts

• Filipino law student Yvette Digan suffered 30% burns in a fraternity house explosion in Worcester, Massachusetts, just days after arriving for her Boston University exchange program
• The explosion occurred when alcohol was poured near an open flame, causing vapors to ignite and trigger a combustion, according to Digan’s lawyer
• Digan spent three weeks in the ICU and underwent multiple skin graft surgeries; her injuries have limited her ability to play music and affected her self-esteem
• Her legal team filed a lawsuit against the alcohol manufacturer, claiming it removed crucial fire hazard warnings from its label after a 2018 rebranding

A 22-year-old Filipino law student, Yvette Digan, suffered life-altering injuries after an explosion at a fraternity house in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Digan had just arrived in the U.S. to begin an exchange program at Boston University, with dreams of becoming a litigator.

The incident occurred on May 13 during a social gathering where a bottle of alcohol was poured near an open flame.

The vapors ignited, causing an explosion that left Digan with burns covering 30% of her body.

“It was being poured near an open flame that may or may not have been visible and that the flame ignited the vapors, caused the ignition inside the bottle, explosive combustion which forced the liquid out,” explained her lawyer, Adam Clermont.

Digan spent three weeks in the intensive care unit and underwent several skin graft surgeries. She described the ordeal as terrifying, especially being far from her loved ones.

“I was scared, really scared because I was alone. My parents weren’t able to come as soon as possible because they needed a VISA… it’s scary, sending your daughter to see the world and getting a call a few days later finding out that she’s in the hospital,” she said.

Once passionate about music and crocheting, Digan now struggles with dexterity.

“I still can’t play to the ability that I was able to before,” she said. “To have the kind of disfigurement and scarring I have on my body at such a young age, it’s heartbreaking.”

Her legal team has filed a lawsuit against the alcohol manufacturer, alleging the company removed vital fire hazard warnings from its label after a 2018 rebranding.

News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In news abroad, Humaira Asghar Ali’s brother, Naveed Asghar, arrived from Lahore to claim her remains and arrange her burial. Her decomposed body was found in a DHA Phase-VI apartment during a court-ordered eviction; she is believed to have died 8–10 months ago. DNA tests and chemical analyses are underway to confirm her identity and determine the cause of death, as no injuries were found. Sindh officials, including Governor Kamran Tessori, offered to handle the funeral after initial reports suggested the family declined custody.

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Source: KAMI.com.gh