Fundraiser says man was intentionally set on fire near Vancouver SkyTrain station
A GoFundMe has been set up for a man that organizers say was lit on fire at a SkyTrain station in Vancouver last week.
According to the Vancouver Police Department (VPD), the incident took place early Sunday morning near Main Street and Terminal Avenue.
Police said a man was “injured in a fire” and was discovered by a motorist outside the SkyTrain station.
The driver helped put out the fire and called police.
“The man sustained burns to his upper body and face, and received medical treatment at hospital before being released,” stated VPD.
In the GoFundMe description, organizer Sasha Cameron said the victim is a member of their family and alleged the fire was not an accident.
“Our family member, son, brother, friend was set on fire on Sunday morning at SkyTrain station in Vancouver, he was severely burned and sustained horrific injury and trauma, all his possessions were stolen,” wrote Cameron.
They added that the victim will require long-term treatment.
“We are grateful,” added the organizer.
To date, the GoFundMe has raised nearly $5,000 of its $7,000 goal.
VPD noted that its investigation continues, and it is reviewing security cameras in the area to determine how the fire started and whether it resulted from a crime.
Witnesses or those who have dashcam footage of the area between 1:30 and 2:06 am on Sunday are being asked to call the police.
In a statement to Daily Hive, VPD media relations officer Constable Tania Visitin said she doesn’t have an update to provide today about the investigation but “[hopes] to give one soon.”
Daily Hive has reached out to the GoFundMe’s organizer for further comment but has not yet heard back. Daily Hive has not independently verified the identity of the victim or the claims by the fundraiser organizers.