A gas explosion has caused significant disruption and injury at a popular holiday destination on the New South Wales South Coast, leaving five people injured, including two young children.
Emergency Response to Morning Blast
Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 7:30am on Saturday, January 30, following reports of a barbecue explosion at the BIG4 Ingenia Holidays park located at Lake Conjola. Multiple paramedic units responded immediately to the incident, with an ambulance rescue helicopter also dispatched to provide critical support and transport.
Injuries and Hospitalisations
Among the five individuals injured in the blast, two are children under the age of five, highlighting the particularly distressing nature of the incident. At least three people have been transported to the nearby Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital for urgent medical treatment, though the full extent of their injuries remains under assessment by medical professionals.
Footage shared online from the scene reveals a scene of considerable destruction, with rubble and a completely destroyed barbecue area visible. Twisted metal and personal belongings were scattered across the site, indicating the force of the explosion that occurred during what should have been a peaceful holiday morning.
Eyewitness Accounts of the Terrifying Moment
One eyewitness present during the incident provided a chilling account of the explosion's sudden occurrence. "I was sitting on the balcony and it was just a huge explosion," the witness reported. According to their testimony, a holidaying family had been in the process of preparing breakfast using the park's barbecue facilities when the devastating blast occurred without warning.
Ongoing Investigation and Park Response
A spokesperson for NSW Ambulance confirmed that the incident remains ongoing as emergency services continue their work at the location. The BIG4 Ingenia Holidays park at Lake Conjola has been contacted for comment regarding the explosion and subsequent safety measures, though official statements are still pending as investigations proceed.
The Lake Conjola area, known for its picturesque sand bar between Conjola Beach and the lake itself, is typically a tranquil holiday destination, making this violent incident particularly shocking for both visitors and local residents. Safety authorities are expected to conduct thorough investigations into the cause of the gas explosion as the community comes to terms with this unexpected tragedy at what should have been a place of relaxation and family enjoyment.
