Airman hurt in toilet blast at Rockhampton airport
A MEMBER of the Royal Australian Air Force is being treated for severe burns in a Brisbane hospital after an explosion yesterday morning in a portable toilet at Rockhampton airport.
The RAAF airman lit a smoke in the hired portable toilet and was engulfed in flames as a suspected build-up of methane gas exploded about 9.30am.
He suffered serious burns to his head, face, arms, chest and airways.
He was transferred late yesterday from Rockhampton to Brisbane Hospital.
"There was some sort of explosion in a portaloo. It's believed the man was lighting a cigarette at the time," a Department of Community Safety spokesman said.
Many portable toilets carry a non-smoking warning but smokers often ignore it, mistaking it for a health rather than a fire warning.
Brigadier Bob Brown said the cause of the explosion was unknown and was being investigated.
"Our first priority is the wellbeing of the ADF member and making sure he's receiving the best medical care available," Brig Brown said.
Dozens of personnel from the three military services and US forces are based at Rockhampton regional airport for the Talisman Sabre military exercises, involving about 22,000 American and Australian personnel.
Army helicopters have been moved from the airport after an anti-war protester last week broke through a wire fence and attacked a $40 million Tiger attack helicopter.
No comments:
Post a Comment