A single Kiwi mother of two living in Western Australia has been left with severe burns to a quarter of her body after a firebombing attack on her car early last month.
Penny Travers, a Perth-based disability support worker, spent 17 days in hospital after a firebomb was hurled at her vehicle in the early hours of October 6.
Though it was hurled at Travers’ car, it failed to go through the window but set her carport on fire.
Perth firebomb attack leaves Kiwi mum hospitalised – Watch on TVNZ+
A single Kiwi mother of two living in Western Australia has been left with severe burns to a quarter of her body after a firebombing attack on her car early last month. (Source: Nine)
“When I went outside to try and put the fire out, the spray paint cans I had near the vehicle exploded in my face,” she said.
She suffered burns to 25% of her body, including her face, neck, chest and arms, and underwent a four-and-a-half-hour surgery involving skin grafts and a blood transfusion.
“To add insult to injury, while I was in hospital the attackers returned to finish the job,” she said.
On October 12, the attacker successfully destroyed her vehicle, which had been deemed a write-off.
“This was while my 16-year-old daughter was at home by herself. If my dog hadn’t woken her up it could have been a lot worse.”
The burns mean Travers will be off work for at least six weeks and is required to drive the 100km round trip to Fiona Stanley Hospital in Perth to have dressings changed and physiotherapy.
“I’ll be required to wear compression garments for the next year to help with the scarring, but despite the garments I will still be scarred for life,” she said.
Being originally from New Zealand meant Travers was entitled to “very few” financial support schemes from the Australian government.
“I have been granted a temporary benefit, but it does not cover my rent, let alone any other monthly expenses.”
She has started a GoFundMe page to raise money for rent, utilities, transport and food for her family.
“I’m just a mum who’s trying her best to keep going for her kids.”
Western Australian Police told Daily Mail Australia they are investigating both incidents.
The morning’s headlines in 90 seconds, including a kiwi mum pleads for help after a firebomb attack, the NZ hopes at the Melbourne Cup, and a notorious pitch invader strikes again. (Source: Breakfast)
