Gas explosion involving a gas canister cooker

Energy type:

LPG

Event summary:

Energy Safety was notified of a gas explosion involving a gas canister cooker. The explosion caused severe injuries to three people requiring extended hospitalisation. Medium burns were received to unknown parts of the body.

Accident ID:

170117-02

Accident date:

1 January 2017

Site:

Public

Environment:

Outside (above ground)

Voltage:

N/A

Equipment:

Canister (LPG); Camping cooker

Accident type:

Fire and explosion

Casualty:

Non-fatality

Injury:

Burn

Property damage level:

No property damage

Outcome of investigation:

The notifier believes the explosion happened due to the locking mechanism on the cooker opening by itself. Once the mechanism was closed the mechanism again opened by itself and the cooker exploded. Energy Safety is of the opinion that the canister cooker locking mechanism failed during use and allowed the canister to leak. Energy Safety has contacted the notifier to get access to the cooker. The notifier has informed Energy Safety that the cooker has gone to the tip. As Energy Safety has been unable to assess the cooker, this event is noted for trend analysis.