Magician's Head Set On Fire In TV Prank

A US magician has been seriously injured after a TV host set his head on fire live on television.

Wayne Houchin was appearing on a show in the Dominican Republic when, in an apparently unscripted prank, its host dropped flammable liquid on his head, setting him alight.

Houchin's own crew, who were at the show, rushed to save him and put out the flames - but not before he had suffered burns to his head, face, neck and right hand.

The illusionist, who hosts Breaking Magic on the Discovery Channel, was rushed to hospital where he says he is "in pain" but recovering.

Houchin, who was in the country promoting his Curiosidades show, wrote on Facebook after the incident: "I was not aware he was going to do this. This was not a stunt or part of an act - this was a criminal attack.

"The fast actions of the rest of our Curiosidades team saved my life. The fire was put out and I was rushed to the emergency room.

"I have bad burns on my head, face, neck and right hand. I am in pain, but am recovering. I will update you on the situation when I can."

He has continued to report on his progress on Twitter and in one of his more recent posts wrote: "The doctors are cautiously optimistic that I will fully recover with no scars."

He has extended his stay in the Dominican Republic following the incident on Monday so he can remain in hospital to receive treatment for his injuries.

The host used a liquid called Aqua De Florida to set Houchin alight.

It is a flammable cologne popular in Latin countries, which is also used as a sacred cleaning spray by shamans and witch doctors in the Caribbean.

Houchin has received hundreds of comments from well-wishers, including from fellow magician David Copperfield who wrote on Twitter: "My thoughts are with you and your family. Best wishes on a swift and complete recovery."

Once described as "a cross between a con man and a street magician", Houchin first came to prominence in 1999 at the age of 16 when he escaped from a straitjacket hanging 50ft above a busy road.

In 2010 he "stopped time" for the Dominican Republic in a live televised illusion.