The family of a young boy who was badly burned in an explosion at the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum last weekend is suing the foundation that operates the museum for $10 million.

Four-year-old Ryker Corona suffered second degree burns on his face, chest and arms during a visit to the museum on Saturday, June 21. According to the boy’s grandmother, Tammy Reich, he was waiting in line to receive a “s’more” that was being prepared indoors on an open-flame appliance when an explosion occurred. Reports indicate the explosion resulted from hand sanitizer being spilled over a tabletop s’more maker. Ryker was airlifted to Integris Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma City.

The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in Oklahoma County District Court, alleges that the museum and employees on duty at the time of the incident were “negligent, grossly negligent, and reckless in causing the subject occurrence.”

The museum sent the following statement to the Seminole Producer on Friday morning: “The museum is deeply saddened by the accident that occurred at the museum on June 21. Our thoughts are with the injured child and family as they navigate recovery. Surrounding the accident, the museum has taken these immediate steps:

• Aligned with local authorities to review the accident, including review of the video footage, and gathered accounts from those in attendance.

• Gathered statements from staff and provided those to the local authorities.

• Launched an internal review with the executive team and staff to determine if any procedural or communication shortfalls occurred and conducted an initial review of the indoor s’more making device for any potential consumer/ product warnings or issues. In the interim, the museum continues to await further reports.”

On Friday, Reich said her grandson was still in the hospital and undergoing physical therapy after two rounds of surgery.

“He still hurts quite a bit, and his spirits are kind of low. He keeps saying that he is sad,” Reich said. “We’re all just taking it one day at a time.”

Friends of Ryker’s family have created an online GoFundMe account to help with medical and other expenses. An account has also been set up at Security State Bank in Holdenville in the name of Alexus Corona. In addition, “Ryker Strong” t-shirts are available for purchase at jotform. com, and all proceeds will be donated will be donated to Ryker’s family to help defray medical expenses.

The Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum on Friday released a list of “Frequently Asked Questions” regarding the incident, adding that any further questions be directed to its attorney, Crowe & Dunlevy.

When did the accident occur?

The accident occurred on June 21 at approximately 11:50. Lunch was being served at the time of the accident.

What type of device was being used that caused the accident?

A tabletop s’more maker recommended for indoor use was being used by staff.

The device was made by HKZ TECH and purchased from Amazon on September 1, 2024. According to the included documents with the device, it consists of a concrete container inlayed with a metal bin and a removable lid. The bottom of the bin was lined with a cotton wool wick. As per the directions, the wick was dampened with isopropyl alcohol. When lit, the device creates an approximately 2” flame and burns until the wick dries or until the lid is placed on top.

What was the response of Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum staff after the accident occurred?

The museum staff acted immediately according to the museum’s emergency procedures. Two staff members were attending the s’more station. A third staff member was next in line when the accident occurred and immediately started to smother the fire on the child by patting. A museum guest assisted the effort and, in tandem with the staff member, helped the child and got the fire out. Several guests and staff members began passing bottles of water to use to cool the burns. At approximately the same time, another staff member walked into the room carrying water and was able to extinguish the fire on the table top of the station to keep it from spreading. They then immediately called 911. Several other staff members arrived with fire extinguishers and additional water, but the fire had been extinguished by that time.

Two staff members went outside to meet the ambulance and direct emergency crews, two escorted the mother and child, and two went to retrieve a burn spray from the first aid station. Another staff member met the child’s additional parent upon their arrival at the museum.

How many staff members were assisting with the special event? How many staff were available on the property?

There were seven staff members in the room at the time of the accident and one additional staff person responded immediately following the accident. Thirty- two staff were available on property on June 21.

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