Boy airlifted to hospital with severe burns after barbecue blast

A 15-year-old boy has suffered severe burns after a barbecue explosion at a house near Clayhidon, Cullompton yesterday evening (Wednesday 21 August).

Ambulance control contacted the local fire service requesting assistance at the incident and appliances from Wellington and Taunton were mobilised to investigate. After further information, the Wellington appliance continued to the incident and the others returned to their stations.

The explosion was described by the fire service as a 'flashover', caused when white spirit had been used to light the barbecue.

The fire crew used two buckets of water to deal with the barbecue.

The 15-year-old suffered severe burns and was treated by paramedics in attendance before being airlifted to hospital.

A dog also suffered severe burns and was treated by the fire crew using burns packs.