A man who suffered severe burns following a chemical fire south of Hamilton yesterday is on the improve in Auckland's Middlemore Hospital.
The 22-year-old suffered burns to a third of his body following the fire at an oil recycling business in Ohaupo, 17km south of Hamilton.
The man, believed to be the son of the business owner, was in a critical condition when he was taken to Waikato Hospital.
He underwent emergency plastic surgery at Waikato Hospital, after which he was taken to Auckland's Middlemore Hospital for further treatment.
Middlemore Hospital spokeswoman Lauren Young told NZPA this morning the man was now comfortable and in a stable condition.
The Fire Service was called about 10.25am yesterday and found a 24x10m shed well alight, with oil stored at the site fuelling the flames.
Eight firefighting crews and two tankers from surrounding areas were required to bring the blaze under control.
