A 20-year-old man has died after being filmed running into a street engulfed in flames, with his grieving family alleging he was deliberately set on fire by his partner.
Isaías Barrera suffered catastrophic burns during the incident at his home in Marcos Juárez, in Argentina’s Córdoba province.
Distressing security camera footage captured the moment he stumbled into the street while ablaze, desperately trying to get help.
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Neighbours rushed to his aid, with one woman using a blanket to extinguish the flames before emergency services arrived, as reported by Need To Know.
Barrera was initially treated at Abel Ayerza Hospital before being transferred to the Córdoba Burn Institute, where he died two days later.
Local reports said he had suffered burns to between 90 and 95 per cent of his body.
The Marcos Juárez Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire.
Authorities are examining several possible scenarios, including whether the blaze was the result of an assault, an accident or another cause.
According to Barrera’s family, a witness saw his partner throw fuel over him as he was about to light a cigarette, causing him to burst into flames.
His relatives have publicly accused the woman of killing him and have held demonstrations calling for justice.
They also claim Barrera had previously reported alleged violent incidents involving his partner, although those claims have not been verified as part of the criminal investigation.
However, prosecutors are also investigating a different version of events.
According to local judicial sources cited by Argentine media, Barrera’s partner told police the fire may have started while he was working on a motorcycle.
Some local reports also state Barrera himself was able to give an initial account before being transferred to Córdoba that was said to be consistent with an accident.
Investigators are now reviewing security camera footage, forensic evidence and witness statements to establish exactly how the fire started.
The case was initially investigated as grievous bodily harm before being reclassified following Barrera’s death.
No official conclusion has yet been announced and no charges have been confirmed.
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