Teenager survives explosion
26 September 2008
A 13-year-old boy from Cooroibah was lucky to escape with the fright of his life and minor injuries after a jerry can containing petrol exploded.
The boy was home alone on Monday and believed to have been playing with a cigarette lighter near the jerry can when sparks ignited petrol fumes, Noosa Heads acting station officer Mervyn Bonner said. Mr Bonner said a quick thinking neighbour saw the flames at the rear of the house and rushed to the boy’s aid.
The neighbour doused the flames but the heat caused a window to break and flames and smoke damaged curtains and furniture inside the adjacent room.
Two fire units from Noosa attended the scene as well as police and ambulance officers. It is believed the incident could have been much worse if not for the quick actions of the neighbour.
The boy was seriously shaken.
Ambulance officers treated him at the scene. Mr Bonner said the low-set brick home in a quiet semi-rural setting at Cooroibah’s Craislea Court was fitted with smoke alarms.
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