Detective Sergeant Greg Murton says that there was a fire reported to Fire at a house in Hei Hei Road, Christchurch, just before midnight. It is believed a P lab was operating at the time and there was an explosion during the 'cook'. A person was hospitalised with 50% burns over their body with full thickness burns over 30%.
The victim of the house explosion/fire at HeiHei Road in the early hours of this morning is described as a male aged 31 years. He is in Christchurch Hospital ICU and his condition is described as serious.
The investigation is proceeding and the house is expected to be cordoned off until tomorrow, Wednesday evening at the earliest.
Detective Sergeant Murton says that there may be other people who also suffered burns as a result who have not yet contacted medical services or police.