Man in critical condition after Ardmona gas explosion

Critical condition: A man has been hospitalised following a gas explosion on an Ardmona property on Tuesday, March 15. Photo by contributed

A man is in a critical condition in hospital after sustaining burns to the front of his body in a gas explosion in Ardmona on Tuesday, March 15.

Energy Safe Victoria is investigating the reported explosion of an LPG cylinder used for cooking, leaving the man with burns to up to 35 per cent of his body and suspected internal injuries.

A Victoria Police spokesperson said emergency services were called to an Ardmona Rd property after a gas bottle exploded in a shed about 2.30pm.

“A 68-year-old man was taken to hospital where he remains in a critical condition,” they said.

“The fire is not being treated as suspicious.”

CFA District 22 Commander Rohan Taylor said three brigades responded to the blaze alongside Fire Rescue Victoria.

Commander Taylor said the man sustained burns to his face, chest and stomach.

An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said the man was flown to Melbourne’s The Alfred hospital in a serious but stable condition.