Girl, 6, rushes to father's aid in kitchen explosion

Esther soaked towels and placed them on her father's head, which was "smoking". Photo / Michael Craig

Esther Taufui didn't hesitate when a frightening gas explosion ripped through the kitchen injuring her dad yesterday.

The 6-year-old, pictured with Mum Latu, screamed for help and rushed to get towels soaked in cold water to place over Meli Taufui's burning face, head and chest.

The Bairds Mainfreight Primary schoolgirl was lucky to escape injury in the explosion that left her father with burns to his upper body. He was last night in Middlemore Hospital with moderate injuries.

Taufui had just returned from the supermarket and was about to cook lunch on the gas hob when the kitchen exploded. Otara fire officer Steve Jones said the likely cause was a gas leak from a hot water cylinder.

Fire service and police on the scene. Photo / Michael Craig

Wife Latu was in the lounge when she heard a loud bang. "I thought something big had dropped and banged on the floor and went out, I couldn't figure out what had happened," she said.

Her husband was splashing water on himself from the sink as Esther soaked towels and put them on his head, which was "smoking".

"There was a big bang. I shouted out to Mum and Nana and then got the towels," Esther said.

A fire officer said the likely cause of the explosion was a gas leak from a hot water cylinder. Photo / Michael Craig

The kitchen windows of the Housing New Zealand home were blown out, and the curtains shredded. Neighbours called emergency services and cleaned up shards of glass from the front lawn.

Housing NZ yesterday arranged a motel unit for the family.

A spokeswoman said the cause of the explosion would be investigated and the house repaired as soon as possible.