Elderly Couple Hospitalized After Explosion at Kingscliff Retirement Village

An elderly couple are receiving treatment in hospital after being injured during an explosion at their home that authorities suspect may have been caused by a gas leak.

Emergency services were called to a demountable home on Mary Street at Noble Lakeside Park — an over-50s retirement village in Kingscliff — at about 7:20am on Monday. Four fire trucks and 14 firefighters responded to reports of an explosion and fire. On arrival, the demountable was well alight. Firefighters managed to stop the blaze from spreading to other homes.

An 83-year-old woman with minor burns to her face and body is in a stable condition at Tweed Valley Hospital. An 85-year-old man was taken by the rescue helicopter to the Royal Brisbane Hospital with severe burns and is reportedly in a critical condition. NSW Ambulance Inspector Paul Millard described the injuries as 'significant'. 'The home was completely destroyed,' Mr Millard said. The cause of the explosion is being investigated.

A resident of the park who did not wish to be identified said neighbours felt the force of the explosion. 'It was huge — people up the hill in Cudgen say their homes shook,' she said. 'The whole thing went boom. Black smoke was pouring out.' The resident told the ABC that after the explosion two neighbours rushed into the home and got the couple out before the structure was engulfed in flames. 'I just pray they're going to be OK,' she said. 'It's just so sad.'

Fire and Rescue NSW is working with NSW Police to determine whether the blast was caused by a leaking gas system.