See how this incident radically altered Aussie politician’s face: 'One flash, and you're ash'
- Replies 6
The backyard barbecue is an Australian institution where family and friends gather to enjoy good food and great company.
However, as one former politician recently discovered, it can also be a site of unexpected danger.
The NSW transport and police minister in the last Coalition government has shared a harrowing tale of a gas barbecue accident that left him with severe facial burns, transforming his appearance.
The incident occurred approximately a year ago when Mr David Elliott attempted to ignite his new gas barbecue.
Speaking to Radio 2GB host Ben Fordham, he recounted the traumatic experience, explaining that he was still unsure whether the explosion was caused by residual gas from an improperly tightened connection or from the barbecue not being turned off completely.
'I bought a new barbecue and had it connected to the main. But you just have to be so, so careful,' he warned.
The explosion was sudden and intense.
'It was very much a case of one flash, and you're ash,' Mr Elliott described.
The pain was immediate and intense, with the skin beginning to peel off shortly after the incident.
Thankfully, his wife Nicole's quick thinking to administer first aid and place him under cool water likely mitigated the severity of the burns.
Despite the initial shock and discomfort, Mr Elliott was fortunate to escape without irreversible damage, even jokingly remarking, 'The good news is it didn't affect my modelling career.'
However, the irony of the situation was not lost on him.
As a former emergency services minister, he had spent years advising Australians to exercise caution with their gas barbecues, especially ahead of the festive season.
'I felt like a fool because I did exactly what [former RFS Commissioner] Shane Fitzsimmons and [Fire and Rescue Commissioner] Paul Baxter told me not to do,' he admitted.
Mr Elliott's experience is a cautionary tale, particularly for men who might overestimate their handiness around the house.
'The home is the most dangerous place for a middle-aged man because we think we can do things that we can't,' he said.
This warning is underscored by other recent incidents, such as the tragic loss of a family home in Lismore due to a gas bottle fire and the severe burns suffered by Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson and his wife Sandra in a similar barbecue-related accident.
These events serve as a reminder of the importance of following safety guidelines when using LPG cylinders, which, while generally safe, can become 'extremely dangerous' if mishandled.
The NSW Fire and Rescue Service advised the public always to connect and disconnect cylinders away from naked flames, avoid using LPG in windy conditions, and refrain from using undue force on cylinder valves.
They also stress the importance of shutting off the cylinder valve before disconnecting the bottle from the barbecue and keeping the cylinders cool and away from heat sources.
As we approach the season of outdoor gatherings and barbecues, let's take a moment to reflect on Mr Elliott's story and ensure we prioritise safety.
Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions; if you're ever in doubt, don't hesitate to consult a professional.
A little caution can go a long way in preventing accidents and ensuring our barbecues remain joyful rather than sources of regret.
In other news, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has recalled 8.5kg LPG exchange gas cylinders sold at a Bunnings store in Geraldton, Western Australia.
The affected cylinders may be overfilled, posing a serious risk of burns and property damage. You can read more about it here.
We at the Seniors Discount Club urge our members to share their own experiences and tips for safe barbecue practices in the comments below. Let's keep each other informed and safe as we enjoy the pleasures of outdoor cooking.
However, as one former politician recently discovered, it can also be a site of unexpected danger.
The NSW transport and police minister in the last Coalition government has shared a harrowing tale of a gas barbecue accident that left him with severe facial burns, transforming his appearance.
The incident occurred approximately a year ago when Mr David Elliott attempted to ignite his new gas barbecue.
Speaking to Radio 2GB host Ben Fordham, he recounted the traumatic experience, explaining that he was still unsure whether the explosion was caused by residual gas from an improperly tightened connection or from the barbecue not being turned off completely.
'I bought a new barbecue and had it connected to the main. But you just have to be so, so careful,' he warned.
Former NSW minister David Elliott’s face was severely burned in a gas barbecue accident in his backyard. Credit: @DiogoCohea / X
The explosion was sudden and intense.
'It was very much a case of one flash, and you're ash,' Mr Elliott described.
The pain was immediate and intense, with the skin beginning to peel off shortly after the incident.
Thankfully, his wife Nicole's quick thinking to administer first aid and place him under cool water likely mitigated the severity of the burns.
Despite the initial shock and discomfort, Mr Elliott was fortunate to escape without irreversible damage, even jokingly remarking, 'The good news is it didn't affect my modelling career.'
However, the irony of the situation was not lost on him.
As a former emergency services minister, he had spent years advising Australians to exercise caution with their gas barbecues, especially ahead of the festive season.
'I felt like a fool because I did exactly what [former RFS Commissioner] Shane Fitzsimmons and [Fire and Rescue Commissioner] Paul Baxter told me not to do,' he admitted.
Mr Elliott's experience is a cautionary tale, particularly for men who might overestimate their handiness around the house.
'The home is the most dangerous place for a middle-aged man because we think we can do things that we can't,' he said.
This warning is underscored by other recent incidents, such as the tragic loss of a family home in Lismore due to a gas bottle fire and the severe burns suffered by Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson and his wife Sandra in a similar barbecue-related accident.
These events serve as a reminder of the importance of following safety guidelines when using LPG cylinders, which, while generally safe, can become 'extremely dangerous' if mishandled.
The NSW Fire and Rescue Service advised the public always to connect and disconnect cylinders away from naked flames, avoid using LPG in windy conditions, and refrain from using undue force on cylinder valves.
They also stress the importance of shutting off the cylinder valve before disconnecting the bottle from the barbecue and keeping the cylinders cool and away from heat sources.
As we approach the season of outdoor gatherings and barbecues, let's take a moment to reflect on Mr Elliott's story and ensure we prioritise safety.
Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions; if you're ever in doubt, don't hesitate to consult a professional.
A little caution can go a long way in preventing accidents and ensuring our barbecues remain joyful rather than sources of regret.
In other news, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has recalled 8.5kg LPG exchange gas cylinders sold at a Bunnings store in Geraldton, Western Australia.
The affected cylinders may be overfilled, posing a serious risk of burns and property damage. You can read more about it here.
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