Woman critically injured after gas cartridge filled with alcohol explodes at German campsite
A 36-year-old woman suffered life-threatening burns after a gas cartridge detonated at a campsite in Waren an der Müritz, Germany, when a man filled it with alcohol.
Incident on the campsite
On Saturday afternoon, a gas cartridge exploded at a campsite in Waren an der Müritz, in the Mecklenburgische Seenplatte district of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. A 34-year-old man had attempted to refill the cartridge of a camping stove with spirit, according to police. The act triggered a deflagration followed by a violent explosion. The campsite is a popular destination near the Müritz lake, though authorities have not yet described the exact setting of the blast.
Victim in critical condition
A 36-year-old woman was caught in the explosion and sustained burns to her upper body and face, with injuries also affecting her eyes. Police described her condition as life-threatening. Emergency responders called in a rescue helicopter, which flew her from the campsite directly to a specialised burn clinic in Berlin. No other injuries were reported.
Police investigation
The 34-year-old man is now under investigation on suspicion of negligent bodily harm, police said. The Norddeutscher Rundfunk report also cites an investigation for arson. Officers from the local police are examining the circumstances that led to the refilling of the cartridge. The cartridge type and the exact amount of alcohol used have not been disclosed. The investigation is ongoing.
