Six people suffer burns in a mystery Finke bonfire explosion

The cause of a Finke campsite explosion that sent six people to hospital has been revealed. Here’s what we know.

Five people have been flown interstate for medical treatment after an explosion injured spectators watching the Finke Desert Race on Saturday.

Details are emerging of an explosion at a bonfire near the Deep Well base, about 70km from Alice Springs, which injured six race spectators and forced the interstate evacuation of five of the injured.

NT Health confirmed of the six injured, three were flown to Royal Adelaide Hospital and two to Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital via CareFlight for further treatment.

A spokesperson said the cause of the ’serious campfire mishap’ was explosion of a shock absorber device.

A statement released to the NT News on Sunday evening stated the men initially taken to Alice Springs Hospital were aged between 18 and 23.

“Our thoughts are with the patients, family and friends of the injured young men and any witnesses to the distressing incident at the Finke Desert Race event,” the statement read.

“NT Health would like to thank first responders, St John Ambulance, NT Police and all NT Health staff involved in the response.

“Particularly staff at Alice Springs Hospital and the Medical Retrieval teams for their excellent response and care of the injured patients.”

A St John Ambulance spokesman said the injured transported themselves to the Deep Well base where they were treated by paramedics before being taken to Alice Springs Hospital for treatment.

Deep Well camp on Sunday. Picture: Gera Kazakov

St John identified that spectators suffered first and second degree burns as a result of the explosion, and that some were flown interstate because they required specialist burns care that was not available at Alice Springs Hospital.

Details of the incident had not been made public on Sunday, with NT Police making no comment when contacted by media.

Tatts Finke Desert Race Organisers issued a statement late on Sunday evening, saying medical teams are stationed at check points along the track.

“We understand they were able to assist the campers once they presented themselves (on Saturday night),” the statement said.

“Campers have always been advised to take extreme care and monitor all fires along the track.

“Finke Desert Racers have overall been pleased with spectator behaviour and are looking forward to welcoming the top riders and drivers back to the Alice Springs finish line.”

Race organisers posted a digital safety warning on their Facebook page early on Sunday morning reminding spectators to remain at least 30m from the track and to observe spectator no go zones.

On the Finke website, campers are warned to treat fire with respect by securing a spot, clearing an area and digging a shallow fire pit.

“Always make sure the fire is properly extinguished,” it said.

“Clear the campsite so that you are not camping too close to the fire. And please, always watch your children around fires. They are too young to know the dangers.”