« Back to 2002 News Archive

Caravan Explosion near Lochans

A MAN was flown to Glasgow Royal Infirmary in a critical condition after a caravan exploded near Lochans at the weekend.

Gordon Patterson (34) sustained serious leg burns, as well as injuries to his face and shoulders, during the incident at Barnultoch Farm on Sunday evening.

Emergency services raced to the scene at 9.30 p.m. after Mr Patterson managed to make his way to the nearby farmhouse to raise the alarm.

He was taken first to The Garrick Hospital in Stranraer and then flown by air ambulance to Glasgow. His condition was initially described as "critical but not life threatening". Mr Patterson is now said to be "improving" but is expected to remain in hospital for at least a month.

Police state that the cause of the fire is not thought to be suspicious and believe a portable gas fire was being used at the time of the incident. The caravan was destroyed by fire following the explosion.