Worker treated for burns after ‘massive’ explosion in Sydney industrial area

A man is being treated for burns after a massive explosion in suburban Sydney that sent shockwaves through nearby businesses.

A man has suffered serious burns after a massive explosion at a council depot in Sydney’s southwest.

Authorities have confirmed that one man is being treated for oil burns at the scene on Millwood Ave in the Sydney suburb of Narellan, 60km southwest of the CBD.

The man, believed to be in his 40s, is in a serious but stable condition.

A Fire and Rescue NSW spokesman told the NCA Newswire that firefighters responded to a minor explosion at the Camden Council depot around 11.20am.

NSW Ambulance and NSW Police were already on the scene.

Paramedics treated the man’s burns before he was flown to hospital. Picture: NSW Ambulance

“Paramedics arrived to a very challenging scene following an explosion with a single person requiring treatment,” NSW Ambulance Inspector Andrew Cullen said.

The man was suffering from serious partial thickness burns to his torso, his arms and face.

The critical care team stabilised him via intubation and he was flown to the burns unit at Royal North Shore Hospital.

The FRNSW spokesman said the explosion was caused by an angle grinder or flash fire.

Brian Cruikshank was working in the D.C & O Services & Products warehouse just a few doors down when he felt the explosion.

“It was a massive bang,” he told the NCA NewsWire.

Paramedics treated the mans burns before he was flown to hospital. Picture: NSW Ambulance

“I felt the shockwaves through the workshop.”

Mr Cruikshank said a Toll rescue helicopter arrived within 10 minutes – a critical care doctor and critical care paramedic were on board.

“A bunch of people had come out of their warehouses and were standing around trying to figure out what happened,” he said.

There were no other injuries or damage reported.

“Explosions are always dangerous and this incident could have been much worse,” Mr Cullen said.

A Camden Council spokesperson confirmed the man was a contractor and the incident is under investigation.

Council is assisting authorities with their investigations.

Originally published as Worker treated for burns after ‘massive’ explosion in Sydney industrial area