Gas explosion leaves acrobat in hospital

Frontline 100

A circus acrobat was left in hospital with severe burns following a gas explosion which might underline the importance of gas detection equipment.

The incident occurred at Burton Road Industrial Estate in Marton, near Blackpool when Jumma Karani's caravan exploded.

According to the Blackpool Gazette, the 28-year-old, who is a performer with Gerry Cottle's Wow! Circus, had to be airlifted to Manchester's Wythenshawe hospital, which houses a special burns unit.

The Kenyan Warriors stuntman is reported to have had problems with his gas cooker prior to the explosion, with 23-year-old circus clown Gareth Ellis telling the newspaper that he saw his colleague running out of the caravan after the gas ignited.

"The explosion was just like a fireball. He came out and you could see he was burnt. He could still see and talk though, he was speaking in Kenyan because he was so shocked," Mr Ellis said.

"He was traumatised. We don't really know what happened. He had a problem with his gas cooker. We hope he's getting better."

An investigation into the exact cause of the explosion is underway, but the incident might encourage homeowners and business bosses to look into gas detection equipment to ensure their premises are safe.

Frontline Safety provides a range of gas detection equipment, including the installation, commissioning and maintainence of fixed gas systems.  Visit our website to view these products.

Meanwhile the Grimsby Telegraph last week reported that local residents queued up outside Cleethorpes Town Hall recently to receive free gas detection equipment as part of a drive to combat carbon monoxide poisoning.

Written by Chris Malone