Teenage girl badly hurt in barbecue blast

A SCHOOLGIRL suffered serious burns when a gas cylinder exploded during her 13th birthday barbecue, emergency services said yesterday.

She had been queuing for food in the garden when the accident happened at the family party on Friday night. It is thought she was first in line to be served because it was her birthday.

The teenager, who was wearing a metal bracelet which became very hot, suffered a deep burn to her wrist as well as burns to her face, hands and chest.

Her uncle, who was serving the food, was also injured in the explosion shortly before 7.30pm. They were taken to hospital where they remained yesterday.