In a shocking act of violence, someone set 29-year-old Dane Cameron on fire outside the Main Street–Science World SkyTrain station. Dane, described as a compassionate and music-loving busker, is in acute care, wrapped in bandages and medicated for pain. Despite his condition, he managed to recount the chilling details of the unprovoked attack to his father.
According to Miles Cameron, Dane was near the station entrance when a woman approached, sprayed liquid on his face, and then set him on fire. “He wasn’t sure whether it was water, or if it was a joke until she lit him on fire,” said his father.
The attack caused severe burns to Dane, and doctors expect his recovery to be long and challenging. A GoFundMe page has been created to support his medical and recovery expenses. “In an instant, his skin is scorched, he’s disfigured. “Miles said, ‘It’s almost unbearable.”
A Good Samaritan’s Heroic Actions
Dane’s survival might not have been possible without the swift actions of Andrew Coulthard, a bystander who witnessed the attack. Coulthard, out with friends, spotted Dane engulfed in flames and immediately ran to help.
“I tried to get him down on his stomach and roll him around, but some sort of accelerant covered him, making the flames really intense,” Coulthard recounted. He and another bystander poured water on Dane’s body to alleviate the pain until paramedics arrived.
Dane repeatedly kept asking, “Why would they do this to me?”. Dane’s father recognized Coulthard’s efforts when he met the Good Samaritan on Tuesday.The emotional meeting ended with a heartfelt hug and tears as Miles thanked Coulthard for saving his son’s life.
Police Investigation Underway
The Vancouver Police Department has confirmed that they are treating the incident as a targeted attack. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and urging witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage from the area between 1:30 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. Sunday to come forward.
Initially, police reported that a hospital treated a 40-year-old man, and they released him. However, Dane’s father clarified that shortly after his discharge, his son collapsed and another Good Samaritan called 911, leading to his readmission to the hospital.
Community Support and Hope for Justice
This shocking act of violence has shaken the Vancouver community, sparking outrage and concern. As Dane begins his arduous recovery, his family and supporters hope for justice and are calling on the public to assist with any information that might lead to an arrest.
For now, Miles Cameron remains focused on his son’s recovery, deeply grateful for the Good Samaritans who stepped in to save Dane’s life.
