A teenage boy suffered burns to his body after a gas pipe explosion in Melbourne’s north-west.
Properties were evacuated in the wake of the blast that happened in the suburb of Maddingley, near Bacchus Marsh, last Thursday afternoon.
Police believe a gas pipe ruptured at a worksite, causing two explosions.
Police spokeswoman Natalie Butler said the incident led to another explosion, in nearby Griffith Street.
“The circumstances are yet to be established, but at this stage it is believed a gas pipe may have been ruptured about 1.30pm, causing a small explosion,” she said.
At least two people were hurt during the explosions.
It is understood the teenager went to Bacchus Marsh Hospital and from there was taken by ambulance to The Alfred just before 2pm.
Ms Butler said another man was taken to hospital with minor injuries.
Bacchus Marsh Secondary College and Bacchus Marsh Grammar were evacuated and residents at the nearby Providence Catholic nursing home were also evacuated.
Witness Michelle Smith said she heard several loud explosions.
“We all ran out, there was plumes of dust and I thought it may have been a car accident,” she told ABC radio. “I looked down the street and all of the stormwater drain covers were off – they had been blown.”
WorkSafe is investigating the incident.
