KEY POINTS:
A English couple's New Zealand holiday went horribly wrong today when their camper van caught fire and the man suffered burns and was taken to hospital.
The incident happened about 3.45pm in Victoria Domain, Picton, when the man, in his 30s, was making a cup of tea.
Detective Jason Hillgrove, of Picton police, said that when the man tried to light the gas cooker it flared and set the van alight .
"He couldn't extinguish it and received burns to his forearms and a bit of smoke inhalation," Mr Hillgrove said.
"The fire engulfed the van within minutes and burnt it out completely."
Mr Hillgrove said the man's partner was outside the van at a picnic table when the fire happened and was unhurt.
The man was treated at the scene by St John Ambulance staff and then taken to Wairau Hospital in Blenheim.
"The woman accompanied the man to hospital," Mr Hillgrove said.
"All their possessions were in the van but luckily the man had his wallet and his passport in his pocket so they've got means to rent accommodation and buy some bits and pieces."
A St John spokesman said the man had suffered moderate to serious injuries.
- NZPA
