Former NSW police minister David Elliott recounts gas bottle explosion

A former police and transport minister has revealed he nearly lost his sight in a ‘traumatic’ gas bottle explosion at his home.

A former police and emergency services minister who used to warn Aussies about the dangers of gas bottles has suffered his own traumatic experience with the popular barbecue cooker, revealing he was nearly blinded in a gas bang at his home 12 months ago.

David Elliott, the former NSW police and transport minister, said the explosion hit him as he started up his barbecue.

“I just assumed the barbecue ignition wasn’t working properly,” he told 2GB on Wednesday.

“But indeed there was a small leak, or it hadn’t been turned off the previous time, and it was very much the case of ‘one flash and you’re ash’.”

A photo taken soon after he received hospital care shows his face ravaged with burns.

Former NSW police minister David Elliott suffered severe burns to his face in the explosion. Picture: 2GB

Mr Elliott led the police and transport portfolios during his time in parliament. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

Mr Elliott, a Liberal who represented the former western Sydney Baulkham electorate from 2011 to 2023, said he was lucky not to be left blind from the explosion.

“It’s quite amazing I didn’t lose sight in my eyes,” he said.

He said he received “all the normal burns treatments” and the doctors fed him pain medication.

“It was really stingy at the beginning,” he said.

“The first 24 hours, it looked terrible and it was very uncomfortable.”

Mr Elliott said he had revealed his own gas cooker tale of woe to warn others about safety.

“Around the house is the most dangerous place for a middle-aged bloke because we think we know everything,” he said.

Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson also suffered burns injuries in a gas bottle explosion. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Serious gas bottle explosions have hit several Australian families in recent months.

On Australia Day, the O’Brien family in Lismore lost their home to a gas bottle fire.

The couple woke to the sound of a hissing bottle before fleeing the ensuing fire.

In October last year, Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson and his wife were injured in an explosion at a property in the Hunter Valley.

The pair suffered burns to their arms and a critical care team flew them to John Hunter Hospital for further treatment.

The NSW Fire and Rescue Service warns that LPG cylinders provide excellent fuel for heating and cooking but can be “extremely dangerous” if not stored or used correctly.

FRNSW warns gas bottles can be ‘extremely dangerous’ if not used or stored correctly. Picture: Brenton Edwards

“Never use LPG indoors or in a confined space,” FRNSW states in its advice.

“Do not connect or disconnect cylinders in the vicinity of a naked flame, do not use LPG in windy conditions (more than 10km/h) and do not use undue force to open or close the main cylinder valve. If in doubt, consult the supplier.

“Shut off the cylinder valve before disconnecting the bottle from the barbecue.

“Always keep cool and away from flames, sparks and heat.

“When operating your gas bottle, always read the manufacturer’s operating instructions.”