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A Redcliffe mother was seriously injured after a gas barbecue exploded while she was preparing a family meal, prompting safety reminders about gas barbecue use.
Christmas Eve Incident
The incident occurred on Christmas Eve at Suttons Beach in Redcliffe, where Rachel Dear was staying in a caravan with her two children. She was lighting a gas barbecue outside the caravan shortly after 5 p.m. when an explosion occurred.
Ms Dear suffered burns to her face, arm, shoulder and body. Despite her injuries, she was able to turn off the gas supply, alert her children and move away from the immediate danger.
She then ran to nearby beach showers, where members of the public assisted her and her children before an ambulance arrived.
Cause And Immediate Response
Ms Dear believes the explosion may have been caused by a gas build-up or leak, after gas was unintentionally left on prior to ignition. The sudden blast resulted in flames engulfing the barbecue and nearby cooking area.
Emergency services attended the scene, and Ms Dear was taken to hospital for treatment. She was later discharged and able to spend Christmas and New Year’s Eve with her children, though she continues to experience pain from her injuries.
Safety Advice Following The Incident
After the incident, Ms Dear encouraged others to check gas barbecue connections using soapy water to detect leaks before lighting. Emergency services supported this advice, urging users to ensure barbecues are properly maintained, positioned on stable surfaces, kept clear of flammable items and used only in well-ventilated areas.
Community Support And Recovery
In the days following the explosion, Ms Dear received support from the Redcliffe community, including assistance with meals and practical help while recovering. She has since confirmed she has identified the woman who called an ambulance and stayed with her at the beach showers.
Ms Dear is now preparing to attend the burns unit at Royal Brisbane for further assessment, while continuing recovery at home and cleaning the area affected by the fire.
Outlook
The Redcliffe barbecue explosion has reinforced the importance of gas safety checks and proper barbecue use, particularly during the summer period when outdoor cooking is common.
Published 9-Jan-2025
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