WATCH: Disabled person (38) carried to safety after arson attack on car
WATCH:
AN ARSON attack on a severely disabled person’s parked car on Thursday, saw neighbours frantically carry the man to safety over his back wall to escape the blaze outside his front door.
The fire destroyed the vehicle and the owners belongings inside the car, including a month’s prescription of medication, his wallet, driver licence, disability permit, and a back brace for his broken back.
The shocking incident occurred during broad daylight in Tymon North Yard, at approximately 8pm on September 12.
The Echo understands the incident is the result of a case of mistaken identity, with another vehicle the intended target.
Neighbours, including young children, had to be evacuated by authorities, as the fire was set in a closed horseshoe estate with four houses in close proximity to each other.
Daniel Morris (38), the owner of the Toyota Auris which was torched outside his front door, was at home when a male youth poured petrol over the bonnet of his car and set it alight.
“I fell down in the kitchen with the bang. As far as I’m concerned it was attempted murder of a severely disabled autistic person,” a shocked Daniel told The Echo.
“A neighbour kicked in the front door and helped to drag me over the back wall. I’m covered in cuts and bruises but he saved me.
“My car is used for hospital appointments, I’m in there every two weeks to see various consultants and therapists. I need the car to get my prescriptions, I need it for grocery shopping. I can’t walk too far.
“I’m astounded. I’ve no enemies, never caused trouble in my life and have an unblemished record, not even a speeding ticket.
“The car was my sanctuary blanket, I spent another €5,000 on high spec adjustments to make it easier for me to use, and it was taken away from me because of some horrible little thug.”
Gardai are investigating the attack.
Daniel Morris outside his home
A garda spokesperson told The Echo: “Gardai are investigating an incident of criminal damage by fire involving two vehicles in a premises in Tallaght, Dublin 24, that occurred yesterday evening, Thursday, September 12, 2024 at approximately 8pm.
“A technical examination of the scene has since taken place and the vehicles removed for further examination. Investigations are ongoing.”
Daniel is a former director of nursing with the HSE, and someone who spent years in service through the public and private care sector, but a serious car accident in 2017 left him with debilitating injuries.
He made attempts to receive financial support this week from the Dept of Social Welfare and requested the council clean up the mess outside, but says these have not been successful.
Compounding matters, his carer, who comes around twice a week is afraid to return after the arson attack.
“I can’t blame her really,” concedes Daniel.
TD Paul Murphy (PBP), who has previously assisted Mr Morris via his constituency work, said he would be contacting the relevant authorities.
“It is a horrible thing that has happened to Daniel and left a vulnerable person in this desperate situation. We will be contacting the Dept and the council. They need to step up and assist him with the financial trouble this situation has put him in.
“When someone has challenges in life but is getting by and has their life thrown off kilter, there should be a place in society to help them out and not let their life spiral out of control.”
Daniel’s life changed when he was involved in a car accident in 2017.
The vehicle he was travelling in stopped at lights on the Old Bawn Road when a car crashed into him from behind – leaving him with serious injuries that required facial surgery and severed ligaments on his left hand, which he can’t use anymore.
Among his afflictions are rare lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, epilepsy, Aspergers Syndrome, severe osteoporosis, anxiety and depression.
He was at a loss to describe the upheaval this attack has caused, as his father John Morris passed away on July 13.
“It’s like a torture. With autism I don’t like change. Things need to be replaced or fixed.”
Daniel was planning to visit his sister in Killinarden for a few days before going to Cork for a trip – hence the packing of personal items into the car to prepare for the travel.
“Between it all in the car I lost my Dad’s watch, his rosary beads, four sets of clothes, two Michael Kors bags, my wallet, my driver’s licence, my back brace which is really important to me and would costs €138 to replace, a month’s prescription that I only just got two days ago, they left with me with nothing but a headache. I’m on disability payment. I can’t afford to replace this stuff. If someone can help me even with fixing the front door, I will pay what I can.”
The aftermath of the fire is still visible outside the house this week, and Daniel says the smoke has damaged the furniture and triggered his PTSD.
“I can’t sleep in my mattress due to the smell of smoke. My appetite is gone. Not only did this guy put my life in danger but they put the life of four kids who live in houses on this road in danger too.
“My neighbour said her 6-year-old daughter who witnessed the whole thing, won’t shower or sleep alone and screams and panics if the cooker or air fryer goes on as she believes it will catch fire like the car did. Three of us neighbours want to move now, will the guy come back?
“Where is the help for the disabled? I’m really disappointed that those of us with disabilities are overlooked.”
