Aussie mum suffers severe burns as deep fryer blows up in fish and chip shop

A young mum has suffered serious burns to her face and arms after being caught in the firing line of a deep fryer that blew up at her work.

Sheena Childs had just ignited the equipment on Saturday at Ki Fish and Chips on Kangaroo Island when it combusted, with the force of the gas explosion so strong it blew out the windows of the store. Emergency services rushed to the scene just after 5pm and 25 firefighters were reportedly needed to contain the flames.

The Mayor of Kangaroo Island in South Australia, Michael Pengilly, likened the scene to a "war zone".

"The building can be repaired but lives can't be... if they're lost," Pengilly told 7News. "[It was] absolutely confronting."

Paramedics provided immediate medical assistance to the mum before she was rushed to a hospital in Adelaide.

Damage to shop likely to cost tens of thousands

It is unclear what caused the deep fryer to combust, however the sudden explosion not only inflicted serious injuries on the worker, but was also costly for the "devastated" owner. Early estimates suggest the damage to the property will likely cost tens of thousands of dollars in repairs.

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Pengilly sent his well wishes to the mum who remains in hospital. "Hopefully [she] will make a full recovery," he said. "The family are highly regarded in the community."

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