|
|
| Rhianna Hardie remains critical |
Only one day after moving into their new council home in Taunton, 10-month old Rhianna Hardie suffered 85% burns when she was scalded by boiling water after pipes burst above her bed. Doctors say she has only a 20% chance of survival.
She is currently being treated at Bristol Children's Hospital.
The Police say there were no suspicious circumstances. The Health and Safety Executive are investigating.
A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said: "The house was cordoned off for forensic investigations and police launched an inquiry which is ongoing."
"We are satisfied that there are no suspicious circumstances but we are still working on a full investigation with the Health and Safety Executive."
Doctors treating her say her condition is so severe she could die at any point in the next six months. The next four weeks are said to be critical to her survival. Mr Hardie and Rhianna's mother, Charlene Haworth, 23, were at her bedside at the hospital on Saturday.
Taunton Deane Council, which owns the home where the incident occurred, has launched its own investigation and said its thoughts were with the family.
Rhianna's parents heard a loud bang coming from her room last Sunday and found boiling water pouring from pipes on to the child's cot below. Her father, Mathew Hardie, 27, suffered burns to his hands and arms as he pulled the baby from the cot.
The semi-detached home is one of about 30 council properties less than two miles from Taunton town centre on the A38 road.
26 November 2006 | 
What? No Daddy?
