Twin’s skin saves ‘human torch’

A 33-YEAR-OLD Frenchman has survived 95 per cent burns after his “hero” twin brother gave him half of his own skin in the most extensive such graft ever, according to doctors.

Franck Dufourmantelle suffered severe burns after chemicals he was handling in a factory caught fire and, in his words, turned him into a “human torch from head to toe”. Given the extent of his injuries, doctors said his chances of survival were as low as one per cent. But hopes were raised when they learnt he had an identical twin brother.

Experts at the Saint-louis Hospital in Paris took up the challenge, ultimately removing 50 per cent of the healthy brother’s skin, which later healed. “It wasn’t a humdrum event, that’s for sure,” said Eric, the donor brother. “But when I saw my brother I didn’t hesitate one second.”