A local shop-keeper in Gizo, Western Province, has survived after severely burned by a butane gas fire on Saturday.
The incident, which occurred at the back of the shop, has shocked the local community and residents of Gizo.
According to victim’s colleagues, two shopkeepers were cleaning a pig’s ear using a butane torch blow gun. They were reportedly unaware that the torch’s connecting cap was not fully tightened, causing a gas leak.
“As they continued to clean the pig’s ear and body, they did not realize the gas was leaking.
“When they attempted to empty the remaining gas from the bottle, the victim, who was still holding the lit torch, accidentally cut open the gas canister. This is to quickly empty the butane gas so they quickly finished the job they tasked for,” one of the shop keepers said.
“However in an instant, the leaked gas ignited, sending flames racing back to the shopkeeper and engulfing his entire body from legs to head.
“Actually, the butane gas did not explode, but the leaked gas was picked up by the flame and burned his entire body,” one of the shopkeepers explained.
“If it had exploded, he could have lost his life that day.”
The victim was rushed to Gizo Hospital for urgent medical care. Doctors confirmed he was in a stable condition after treatment and discharged later.
The cause of the incident is still under investigation.
Local officials are urging business owners and workers to prioritize safety measures when handling flammable substances to avoid similar accidents in the future.
Meanwhile, the victim is reportedly seeking advice from the Labour Division to claim compensation for his injuries.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
