Explosion burns Christchurch woman

A 76-year-old Christchurch woman is being treated for burns after gas exploded as she tried to relight her cooker in a campervan.

The woman and her husband were white-baiting at Granite Creek, south of the Buller town of Karamea, when she went to their campervan to make a cup of tea about 10.30am. But the flame appeared to have gone out and when she tried to reignite it, the gas exploded, causing serious burns to her head, face, arms and legs, Summit Rescue Helicopter said.

It was not known if the gas was leaking or how long the flame was out.

After being treated on the ground, she was flown to Hutt Hospital, where she is undergoing emergency treatment and understood to be in a serious condition.

- NZPA