By Bridget Cook
69349
Picture: Donna Oates
POLICE said two men were just “mucking around” at a party, when they received critical injuries in a backyard chemical explosion in Cannons Creek on Sunday night.
A 24-year-old Pakenham man lost both his legs and a Cannons Creek man, 23, suffered burns to his airways, face and arms when the chemicals they were mixing in a cylinder or metal container exploded in the backyard of the Currawong Grove property at 11.15pm.
Victorian Police Arson Squad Senior Detective Cameron Lunny said the two men were just mucking around at a party, with about 10-15 family and friends when they made the improvised explosive device.
“At this point in time, there’s no rhyme or reason for it, they were just mucking around and experimenting,” he said.
“They were standing right over it, trying to bury the mix of chemicals in a mound of dirt when it exploded.”
Sen Det Lunny said the chemicals that are believed to have been used by the men, which the News has chosen not to name, are readily available at many retail stores.
He said the incident was proof to others that mixing chemicals was a dangerous act.
“It’s very fortunate,” he said. “It could have been a lot worse with that many people standing around.
“As much as we say not to, people are still willing to give it a try and think that something like this won’t happen to them. Don’t do it, it’s so dangerous.”
Sen Det Lunny would not confirm whether the men would be charged, but said people doing such an act can face charges including making and using explosive devises. Neighbours likened the blast to a “huge clap of thunder”.
“It was so loud,” Cannons Creek resident Cindy Dolan said. “The whole house shook.”
Warneet resident Paul Oates also heard the blast from his home in a neighbouring suburb.
The Pakenham man was airlifted to the Royal Melbourne Hospital with life-threatening injuries and the Cannons Creek man was flown to The Alfred hospital in a critical condition. Intensive care paramedic Ben Meadley attended the incident, likening the Pakenham man’s injuries to those found during a war situation.
“He also had severe airway burns and facial burns,” Mr Meadley said.
The man was given a blood transfusion at the scene.The 23-year-old man has burns to his face and arms and burns to his airway, which can cause swelling and restrict breathing. Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au.
