At approximately 5:30pm on Sunday the 23^rd July 2023, emergency services were called to attend a residence Janet Street, Kings Meadows following a reported explosion at the home.

Attending emergency services found four patients ranging in age from five years old to 49 years old.

The 49 year old male was found to have extensive burns to his face, body and airways. The male was transported by ambulance to the Launceston General Hospital and then via air ambulance to the Royal Hobart Hospital. The male is described as being in a critical but stable condition.

A five year old child and nine year old child and a 17 year old youth were transported to and treated at the Launceston General Hospital for none life threatening injuries. All have since been released.

Officers from Tasmania Police and the Tasmania Fire Service are investigating the circumstances of the fire and explosion. Preliminary investigations indicate that the cause of the fire and explosion was accidental.