Workman burned as gas cylinder explodes

A workman suffered flash burns to his face and upper body in a gas blast in north Belfast today.

He was rushed to hospital after a gas cylinder exploded on an industrial site in the Oldpark area of the city.

Firefighters were called to the site on the Hillview Road where demolition was taking place.

Divisional Officer John Allen said the fire brigade treated the man at the scene and made safe a bank of cylinders.

“We were called to the area at around noon,” he explained.

“When we got there we discovered there had been a small explosion involving a cylinder used for the industrial burning of steel.

“We tended to the workman at the scene who sustained flash burns to the upper body and face.

“He has since been conveyed to hospital where the full nature of his injuries are being assessed.”

Health and safety officers joined fire officers at the scene as an investigation was launched into the incident.