Father-of-three killed in massive backyard explosion
A father of three has been killed in a massive blast in the backyard of his family’s Warner home, north of Brisbane.
Police believe the 55-year-old, known as Ross, was using gas-related equipment to extract hydrogen from water for welding but it led to a deadly blast which could be heard 6 kilometres away.
Neighbour Ric Hartman heard the explosion and rushed next door to find Ross “lying in his backyard”.
Mr Hartman said the explosion was so powerful “it blew things off the shelves and benches and tables”.
“I can't explain how big the force was,” he said.
Mr Hartman added Ross was a “great guy” and his family are “great people, beautiful people”.
“It was a tragedy,” he said.
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Queensland Police Senior Sergeant Jeff Lansdown said Ross has used similar equipment in the past and that the explosion was unexpected.
His wife and three children arrived home shortly after the accident.
Ross’s distraught neighbour, along with other witnesses and emergency services have been offered counselling. Authorities have described the incident as “catastrophic”.