A man has been seriously burnt in a gas barbecue mishap at Berkeley Vale on the state's Central Coast. The 58-year-old man was cooking steak on the rear patio of his Kingsford Smith Drive home just before 7 pm last night.
When he turned up the gas on the 9kg LPG bottle, the hose detached, allowing gas to escape and ignite. He suffered serious burns to his face and upper body. Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews from Berkeley Vale and Wyong Fire Stations, rushed to the scene along with the Rural Fire Service and NSW Police.
NSW Ambulance paramedics
Firefighters placed the victim under a shower and monitored his condition until NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived. He was then transferred via medical helicopter to the hospital for further treatment. The gas bottle was cooled and safely isolated.
Superintendent Adam Dewberry from Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) said they are advising the public to ensure they follow the steps below before barbecuing this summer:
- Ensure they comply with any fire restrictions that may be in place, such as total fire bans.
- Service and maintain the barbeque regularly
- Have a garden hose or similar continuous supply of water available at all times.
- If a gas leak does occur shut off the cylinder immediately and allow any gas to dissipate.
- Clear the surrounding area of combustibles before lighting a barbeque.