A MAN sustained at least 60 per cent burns after a bonfire exploded near Ross-on-Wye last night.
Two fire crews, an Ambulance and a rapid response vehicle were called to Lea at 8.05pm.
Martin Lown, station commander at Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, said that the man, who was burning garden rubbish on the bonfire, was engulfed in flames and crews helped paramedics in giving him first aid.
"He had quite a covering of burns,” said Mr Lown. “The paramedics on the scene said that he sustained a minimum of 60 per cent burns.”
He added that the fire was totally accidental.
The 51-year-old was taken to Hereford County Hospital, before being transferred to a specialist burns unit.
Ambulance spokesman Chris Kowalik said that he was in a critical condition.
He added that it is believed that a canister exploded on the bonfire, causing him very serious burns.
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