A man is allegedly in critical condition after setting himself on fire outside a Walmart in Fort Worth on Tuesday, leaving bystanders traumatized.
Fort Worth Fire Department dispatched a medical response helicopter to the Walmart located at 8520 Beach Street, after receiving reports of a burn victim, according to traffic first reported by DFW Scanner on Facebook. Officials also said the incident appeared to be related to a “psychiatric emergency.”
Several witnesses on the scene shared disturbing first-hand accounts on social media, with many claiming they are still shaken up from the incident.
“He lit himself on fire in front of me right as I was getting ready to pull out of the parking lot,” Kadarius Hoye wrote in a Facebook comment. “He came out the door and drenched himself in lighter fluid and proceeded to light himself on fire. Him and another young lady were arguing moments before he did it.”
Others described the trauma of witnessing the act unfold in front of families and children.
“I was there. Inside the store. The burning smell will never leave my mind,” said Rylie Capps. “It was traumatizing to witness and see all his melted clothes… Prayers to the man and his family.”
Another shopper, Gurmukh Singh, recalled calling 911 after seeing the man engulfed in flames: “It was so disturbing. It’s just so sad there were kids in the store watching that horrible scene.”
This tragic case follows a series of self-immolation incidents across the country in recent years.
As The Dallas Express previously reported, high-profile cases in 2024, including Airman Aaron Bushnell’s protest outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., and activist Max Azzarello’s fatal fire outside a Manhattan courthouse, show some of the extreme psychological and social pressures that can drive people to such violent acts of self-harm.
Experts caution that self-immolation often comes from a complex combination of despair, trauma, and untreated mental illness.
“Self-immolation can be associated with severe psychological distress, very often surfacing in the form of extreme depression, trauma, and feelings of helplessness,” clinical counselor Niloufar Esmaeilpour previously told DX.
“My niece was there, she was on the phone with 911. They had her follow him inside, blazing on fire, and he begged them to help him. How horrible, she’s so traumatized. She’ll never get that picture out of her mind. I hope they offer counseling because she needs it!” Vicky Cole posted under the DFW Scanner’s Facebook thread.
The victim’s condition has not been publicly updated as of press time.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm, help is available. Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support 24/7.