Three teenagers are being treated for extensive burns after the gas canister they were inhaling from exploded at a south Auckland house last night.
Fire fighters were called to the property in Ferguson St, Mangere, after reports of a blaze at about 11pm.
Ambulance city centre manager Norm Ngatai says the trio – two girls aged 14 and 15, and a boy aged 17 – suffered serious facial, arm and leg injuries.
"The patients were huffing and while they were doing that one of them lit a cigarette which caused an explosion," says Mr Ngatai.
Police say they are taking the matter seriously.
"This is a tragic event that that has resulted in three young people receiving very serious injuries," says Inspector Dave Glossop. "Huffing is an extremely risky practice which is fraught with danger."
It has not yet been decided if charges will be laid.
3 News/RadioLIVE
source: newshub archive
