Explosion of a butane gas cylinder/cooker

Energy type:

LPG

Event summary:

Energy Safety was notified by a DHB of a butane gas cylinder/cooker explosion. It was reported that burns to the face and body were received by the patients, but that the burns were not significant.

Accident ID:

170113-02

Accident date:

1 January 2017

Site:

Public

Environment:

Outside (above ground)

Voltage:

N/A

Equipment:

Camping Cooker

Accident type:

Fire and explosion

Casualty:

Non-fatality

Injury:

Burn

Property damage level:

No property damage

Outcome of investigation:

The notifier advised that the patient's description of events was that the gas cooker ignited while boiling water for coffee. When this activity was complete they immediately started cooking breakfast. About half way through cooking they detected a strange odour from the gas cooker and bent in closer to have a look. At that time there was an explosion and all three sustained burns. Energy Safety attempted to contact the patients to no avail. This event is noted for trend analysis.