A Leopold man has been flown to hospital with critical injuries following a terrifying backyard explosion involving a drum fire on Tuesday afternoon.
Emergency services rushed to the quiet Geelong suburb after reports of a serious incident involving flames and explosions in a residential backyard. The dramatic scene unfolded around 4:30 PM, sending shockwaves through the local community.
Emergency Response and Rescue
Multiple emergency units responded to the incident, including firefighters, paramedics, and police. Witnesses reported seeing thick black smoke billowing from the property as emergency vehicles converged on the scene.
The victim, believed to be in his 40s, suffered severe burns to significant portions of his body. Paramedics provided immediate critical care at the scene before coordinating an air ambulance transfer.
"The patient was transported to The Alfred hospital in a critical condition," confirmed an Ambulance Victoria spokesperson. The Alfred hospital in Melbourne is renowned for its specialist burns unit and trauma care.
Investigation Underway
Fire investigators remained at the property late into Tuesday evening, working to determine the exact cause of the explosion. Early reports suggest the incident involved a drum being used for burning, though the specific contents remain unknown.
Neighbours described hearing a loud explosion followed by screams, prompting immediate calls to emergency services. The incident has raised concerns about backyard burning safety practices, particularly as summer approaches and fire restrictions come into effect.
Victoria Police confirmed they were assisting with the investigation but indicated the incident appeared to be accidental rather than suspicious. WorkSafe Victoria has been notified and may conduct its own investigation into the circumstances.
Community Impact and Safety Warnings
The explosion has left the Leopold community shaken, with residents expressing concern for the injured man and his family. Local authorities are reminding residents about the dangers of backyard burning, especially when using containers that can build up pressure.
Country Fire Authority officials emphasized the importance of proper fire safety practices, particularly when dealing with combustible materials in residential areas. "Always have appropriate fire suppression equipment on hand and never leave fires unattended," a CFA spokesperson advised.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly routine activities can turn dangerous. The man remains in critical condition at The Alfred hospital as investigators continue their work to piece together exactly what caused the catastrophic explosion.
