A father is pleading for help for his 14-year-old daughter who is in critical condition after a gas stove exploded, causing severe burns to her body.

Ruphema Dunkley is seeking financial assistance for Ackalia to travel overseas for medical care.

Ackalia who attends the Black River High School in St. Elizabeth was reportedly preparing tea ahead of what was expected to be a normal school day last Friday, when the explosion occurred.

She is admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at the University Hospital of the West Indies.

Mr. Dunkley says his daughter is battling for life and needs some US$39,000 to travel to the United States for medical care.

Meantime, the Sanmerna Foundation which has assisted several burn victims in the past has located a hospital at which the teen will receive care should the airfare be secured.

Noting that the teen received third-degree burns, Projects Manager Stephen Josephs is calling on persons to help her get the necessary care.

A GoFundMe has been set up for Ackalia.

Up to last night, it had raised nearly 9,000 of the US$45,000 needed for the airfare.