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A 12-year-old student suffered burns over 40% of her body after her Day of the Dead costume burst into flames during a school ceremony in central Mexico state of Hidalgo.
Terrifying video showed Zaira Osorio standing on a stage alongside her classmates at Teodomiro Manzano High School on Wednesday as they modeled their outfits in celebration of the traditional Mexican holiday.
The student appeared to move to her right moments after her gold-colored dress, made from tamale leaves, came into contact with one of the candles placed on a table behind her.
A male student noticed that the lower back of Osorio’s costume was engulfed in flames and immediately tried to smother the fire with his hands, but could not stop it from spreading.
Osorio somehow maintained her composure and remained still on the platform as her classmates screamed in horror before two school staffers rushed over and escorted her down from the stage.
The minute-long, horrifying footage showed the flames quickly expanding over Osorio’s dress as she walked around in circles while bystanders used their jackets in an attempt to put out the fire.
🚨 Zaira, alumna de secundaria, se reporta grave tras incendiarse su disfraz de catrina en Huasca de Ocampo, Hidalgo.
El traje hizo contacto con una veladora durante un festival escolar. pic.twitter.com/9DluAqH4tJ
— Irving (@IrvingPineda) October 29, 2026
The event MC could be heard urging the crowd to remain “calm” as Osorio made her way back up to the stage.
Multiple people continued to prevent the fire from getting out of control when someone put reached for a bucket of water and dumped it over Osorio.
Osorio was rushed to a children’s medical facility in the municipality of Huasca de Ocampo and then transferred to a hospital in Mexico City, where she is receiving care for second-degree burns.
Osorio’s father, José Osorio, took to social media to plead with the public for assistance with covering the cost of his daughter’s hospital care.
“Zaira suffered a terrible incident inside a secondary school, which resulted in burns over a large part of her body,” he wrote. “Currently, she is facing a delicate situation that requires constant medical attention and care.
“Medical expenses have been very high and, my family, is doing everything that is in our hands to support her in this difficult process. However, expenses continue to increase, and we need solidarity from all the people who can offer us a hand.”
The Hidalgo state Ministry of Education said in a statement that it opened an investigation Wednesday.
According to Azteca Noticias, flammable objects are prohibited in schools.
Osorio’s father alleged that authorities had not been in contact with the family.
“In such a serious situation, we believe it is essential that our family receives attention, accountability, and support,” he added.
