ELDERLY MAN BADLY BURNED IN EXPLOSION AND FIRE

An elderly man has suffered horrific burns in a fire that gutted a motorhome and shed west of Newcastle.

While it hasn’t been confirmed, it’s understood there was an explosion, that ignited a fire.

The fire quickly took hold of the motorhome and a shed. It also damaged the rear of the home on Minmi Road at Maryland.

At one point, firefighters had to duck for cover when a gas bottle exploded as they fought the flames.

The elderly man was rushed to the John Hunter Hospital with significant burns. Witnesses say he had severe burns from his neck down to his toes.