Man badly burned at bonfire party

A young Blenheim man underwent five hours of skin graft surgery at Hutt Hospital yesterday after a weekend bonfire party got out of control.

Martin Dixon, 20, of Renwick, suffered extensive burns after petrol was poured on a bonfire, causing flames to flare up and melt his clothing.

It was the second consecutive weekend he was injured while partying, said his grandfather, Baden Dixon.

Martin had to be taken to hospital for X-rays on a bruised pelvis after partying with friends in the same area a week earlier, Mr Dixon told the Marlborough Express.

He was now urging his grandson's mates to "pull their heads in before someone gets killed".

From what Mr Dixon knew, the partygoers tried to reignite a bonfire by pouring diesel on it.

His grandson had been wearing synthetic clothing, and emergency services had to cut his clothing and shoes off.

Mr Dixon said the young man was still heavily sedated in hospital and could be there for the next two months.

- NZPA