A friend who was with a New Zealander when she was allegedly set on fire by her former partner in Australia is glad she was able to be there with her friend.
Destiny Otton-Rakuraku, 34, who grew up in Auckland, was taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital with severe burns on January 18.
Friend of 21 years Emma Nguyen said she had flown to Queensland to spend a week with her.
They were on the balcony when Ms Otton-Rakuraku’s ex-partner turned up.
The 36-year-old man, identified by Australian media as Renata Manning, allegedly doused Ms Otton-Rakuraku in petrol before producing a lighter and setting her on fire.
He was charged with one count each of attempted murder and common assault, and appeared in court on January 20.
Ms Nguyen said it was a horrific and traumatising situation, but was glad she was with her friend.
In the minutes following the attack, Ms Nguyen said she and one of Otton-Rakuraku’s sons, who was also home at the time, were able to move her into a cold shower.
She said neighbours heard the screaming and arrived to help her with directions for the emergency services.
On Monday, she said Ms Otton-Rakuraku had undergone four surgeries in the past week, and her condition was stable but critical — she remained in an induced coma.
"The main thing is, she’s alive," Ms Nguyen said.
A GoFundMe page raising money for her recovery had exceeded $A51,000 ($NZ56,300) by yesterday.
Ms Otton-Rakuraku’s recovery is expected to take at least a year, with at least another few months in hospital.
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