Three people were injured when an explosion tore through a south Invercargill kitchen yesterday.
Emergency services were called to a house near Glenalmond Cres and Rothesay Pl about 1.30pm after reports of an explosion.
Two people with serious injuries were taken to Southland Hospital, a St John spokesman said.
Another person was treated at the scene for minor injuries.
Two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus were able to extinguish a fire in the kitchen, and fire investigators were working to determine the cause.
Police were also continuing to investigate.
A witness, who wished to remain anonymous, said he could "smell the fire from all the way down the street". He said the incident "took him back".
"My daughter’s house caught fire years ago and my grandchildren were in there.
"Three children in hospital with burns . . . I always feel for them [the victims of house fires]."
