A five-year-old boy and his mother suffered severe burns following a fire at a social gathering in a housing estate in Kerry at the weekend.
Neighbours had gathered around a firepit in a garden at Loreto Convent Estate in Killarney on Saturday night when the blaze got out of control shortly after 10pm.
It is understood an accelerant may have been put on the firepit leading to the incident and resulting in serious injuries to those sitting around the fire.
It is believed the boy was sitting on a sun lounger closest to the firepit.
Family and neighbours rushed to help those who were injured and contacted emergency services.
Gardaí have confirmed that an investigation is under way and a technical examination has been undertaken.
“Six people, men, women and children, were conveyed to hospital for the treatment of injuries sustained during the incident,” gardaí said in a statement.
They were brought by ambulance to hospital for treatment of their injuries.
The mother and her child are said to be in a serious condition.
Investigations are ongoing and it is understood that foul play is not suspected at this time.