A man who was seriously injured when a gas cylinder exploded in Invercargill on Monday is in an induced coma.
A Southland hospital spokesperson says the man is in a serious but stable condition, surrounded by his family.
Witnesses told Radio New Zealand the explosion, which happened about 3pm, was extremely loud and shook nearby buildings.
Fire Service acting assistant area commander Neil Ladbrook told Morning Report the man smelled gas and the cylinder went off when he opened the back of his ute.
He said it's not clear whether an electrical or mechanical fault was the cause.
The incident is being investigated by WorkSafe New Zealand.
