More details emerge as Brit teen, 16, dies after 'terrible accident' on family holiday
More information surrounding the British teenager who died after a tourist boat burst into flames during a family holiday in the Dominican Republic has come to light.
Abbie Lainton, 16, from Swindon, Wiltshire, was on a catamaran near Saona Island when it caught fire on 27 July.
The boat carrying 35 people was travelling back towards Bayahibe when witnesses heard a 'pop', before flames and thick smoke spread across the vessel, the Daily Mail reports.
Abbie, a talented cheerleader awaiting her GCSE results, reportedly suffered burns to 60 percent of her body. She was taken to hospital but sadly died of her injuries three days later on 30 July.
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Two of Abbie’s siblings were also reportedly on the boat and were injured.
Around 23 people were taken to hospital after the accident, with some suffering burns, broken bones and spinal injuries.
'Abbie had her whole life ahead of her'
Gisell Segovia, who was on the boat with her husband, told The Sun that broken pieces were 'flying everywhere' and remembered Abbie because of her 'beautiful eyes'.
"Becky and Gary have lost their beautiful 16-year-old daughter, and Carley and Bradley were also badly injured in the accident," a GoFundMe reads.
"Abbie had her whole life ahead of her. She should have been enjoying the summer with her friends and looking forward to receiving her GCSE results. She was so loved by her family, friends and everyone who knew her.
"This page has been set up to support the family through this unimaginable time."
Abbie was a coach at Swindon Lightning Cheerleading Club, who said in a statement: “There are simply no words that feel enough. Abbie was a much-loved member of our Swindon Lightning family.
“Her kindness, infectious smile, unwavering encouragement and love for cheerleading touched the lives of so many athletes, coaches and families over the years.
'It's heartbreaking'
“She brought so much light to our gym, and her loss has left us all heartbroken. Our thoughts, love and deepest condolences are with Abbie’s family and loved ones during this unimaginable time.”
A neighbour told the Daily Mail that they 'heard the two girls and the lad were on the boat and must have been near where it exploded'.
"It's terrible. The young girl's not too bad, she's got a broken leg and her brother's got some burns but he's not too bad now. They're all back in the UK now," they said. "I've known them for a long time. It's heartbreaking."
Her former school Tanwood School for Performing Arts said they were in 'complete shock' by the news.
A spokesperson said: “Abbie joined Tanwood as a dinky dot and was part of an exceptional group of dancers who formed strong friendships which spilled over to the audience when they performed together.
“She always performed with a huge smile, and those beautiful feet. We are all in complete shock at this heartbreaking news and send so much love and support to her family and friends at this unimaginable time. You will always be in our hearts.”
LADbible group has contacted the Foreign Office for comment.
Topics: UK News
Anish Vij