Man dies in garden candle explosion; wife with severe burns seeks public support

A tragic accident in the Ventspils region last autumn claimed the life of a man and left his wife with severe burns after a garden candle exploded. The couple's seven-year-old son witnessed the incident.

Anželika Ņikandrova, 40, is still suffering the consequences of the burns ten months later and has turned to the charity organization "Ziedot.lv" for assistance. Doctors have prescribed regular procedures costing 4,100 euros per year, along with daily scar care products that amount to at least 150 euros per month, totaling 1,800 euros annually.

Recalling the fateful evening of September 13, Anželika explains that the family was relaxing with friends at their guest house. When the garden candle in a metal frame had almost burned out, her husband Vadim decided to add lighter fluid to create a nice bonfire. The candle flared up and exploded, spraying burning liquid and pieces of the candle in all directions. Anželika describes how her synthetic clothing melted, a gold necklace fused with her skin, and she suffered burns to her neck, back, and hair. Her husband, engulfed in flames, fell to the ground and later died. She emphasizes that while summer is a time for enjoyment, safety should never be forgotten.