Key Takeaways
- A mother of two, Rachel Dear, suffered burns to her face and body when her barbecue exploded on Christmas Eve.
- The incident occurred while she was preparing dinner outside her caravan in Redcliffe, north of Brisbane.
- Ms Dear suspects a gas leak may have caused the explosion and wants to warn others to check for leaks before using their barbecues.
- Emergency services have echoed her warning, urging people to ensure their barbecues are serviced and maintained correctly.
- Ms Dear is also searching for the good Samaritans who helped her and her children before emergency services arrived.
Introduction to the Incident
Rachel Dear, a mother of two, was lucky to see the New Year after a terrifying incident on Christmas Eve. She was preparing dinner outside her caravan in Redcliffe, north of Brisbane, when her barbecue suddenly exploded in her face. The explosion occurred shortly after 5pm, and Ms Dear described it as a scary and intense experience that happened in seconds. She suffered burns to her arm and face, but managed to turn off the gas and warn her children to get out of the caravan before seeking help.
The Explosion and Aftermath
Ms Dear recounted the incident, saying that she lit the barbecue and it immediately exploded, causing her to burn her arm as she reached in to turn off the gas. She was worried that the whole caravan would explode, and her primary concern was the safety of her children. Despite her injuries, Ms Dear managed to smother the flames and sprint to a nearby beach shower to seek help. She described the pain as intense and feeling like she was still on fire for hours afterwards. Fortunately, Ms Dear was able to be discharged from hospital and spend Christmas and New Year’s Eve with her children.
Warning to Others
Ms Dear wants to warn others about the importance of checking for gas leaks before using their barbecues. She suggested a simple test using a mixture of water and dishwashing liquid to detect any leaks. If the mixture bubbles, it indicates a problem with the connections. Ms Dear also urged people to keep their barbecues away from flammable objects and to ensure they are serviced and maintained correctly. She emphasized the importance of staying safe with gas and taking precautions to avoid similar incidents.
Emergency Services Response
Emergency services have echoed Ms Dear’s warning, emphasizing the need for people to ensure their barbecues are serviced and maintained correctly. A Queensland Fire Department spokesperson advised people to schedule pressure testing of gas cylinders, check the condition of hoses and connections, and ensure that barbecues are placed on a firm, level base, sheltered from wind gusts and away from flammable objects. The spokesperson also reminded people to use barbecues in well-ventilated areas to avoid the harmful effects of fumes and gases.
Search for Good Samaritans
Ms Dear is also trying to find and thank the good Samaritans who helped her and her children before emergency services arrived. She described how several people came to her aid, providing her with clothes, comforting her daughter, and staying with her until the ambulance arrived. Ms Dear expressed her gratitude to the emergency services and the neighbors who helped to ensure the fire was out and everyone was safe. She is eager to thank the good Samaritans in person and express her appreciation for their kindness and help during a difficult time.
Conclusion
The incident involving Rachel Dear’s barbecue explosion is a stark reminder of the importance of safety precautions when using gas appliances. Ms Dear’s warning to others to check for gas leaks and ensure their barbecues are serviced and maintained correctly is a timely reminder of the need for vigilance and caution. The response of emergency services and the kindness of good Samaritans also highlights the importance of community and the need for people to look out for one another. As Ms Dear continues to recover from her injuries, her story serves as a warning to others to prioritize safety and take precautions to avoid similar incidents.
