Police investigating alleged use of chemicals in NYE party explosion

CCTV footage shows the moment an explosion lit up the night during an NYE party in a residential Melbourne street as police release new details.

One man was left fighting for life and more than a dozen people were treated for injuries following an explosion at a home in Melbourne on New Year’s Eve.

Victoria Police will investigate the alleged use of chemicals poured onto a fire during a party at a residence along Development Boulevard in Mill Park late on Sunday.

15 people in total were injured following the blaze, with emergency services acting on a call just after 11pm.

A 40-year-old Mill Park man sustained life-threatening injuries, and 10 other people were hospitalised, with reports suggesting those injured were in attendance at a party involving close to 100 people.

A man is fighting for life following a NYE party in Mill Park. Picture: Google

Explosion in at a Melbourne NYE party which left a man fighting for life. Photo: Supplied

Eight of the injured were rushed to The Alfred Hospital and another three were transported to the Northern Hospital.

Four more people were treated at the scene but did not require any further care.

As of Monday afternoon, the Mill Park man remains in a serious condition, as do two others rushed from the scene, while one woman was cleared and discharged from Alfred Hospital.

A Victoria Police spokesperson confirmed the explosion had occurred and said investigators were still working to establish what caused the incident.

“It is believed a chemical was poured onto a fire at a New Year’s Eve party in the backyard of a Development Boulevard property about 11pm, which has caused an explosion,” the spokesperson said.

“Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.”

Originally published as Police investigating alleged use of chemicals in NYE party explosion