WARNING: Distressing images
A Christmas Eve roast turned into a terrifying fireball, leaving a mother seriously burned and running for her life.
Rachel Dear was staying in a caravan at Suttons Beach, Redcliffe, when an unexpected gas build-up caused the barbecue to explode.
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WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Christmas BBQ explosion survivor searches for hero
“I went to light it not realising I left a little bit of gas on … and it went boom,” she told 7NEWS.
The blast sent flames through the barbecue, engulfing the roast and burning Dear’s hand, shoulder and face.
The injuries are still causing her significant pain.
Dear describes the Christmas Eve barbecue explosion to 7NEWS reporter Liam Bland. Credit: 7NEWSSerious burns left Dear in shock and needing immediate care. Credit: 7NEWS
Believing she was still on fire, Dear fled her home and ran towards Suttons Beach trying to protect her children.
“I felt like I was still on fire so I ran for the showers at the beach .. and just screamed for my kids to get off the block,” she said.
As she tried to cool herself under the beach showers, a quick-thinking stranger stepped in to help.
“I just said can you call an ambulance, call an ambulance please, please — and she didn’t know what was going on,” Dear said.
“I can’t remember what she said but she had this beautiful smile just like a motherly figure.”
Hand, shoulder, and face injuries still causing Rachel pain over a week after the blast. Credit: 7NEWS
Dear has returned to Suttons Beach hoping to find the woman she believes saved her life.
“I’ve been walking up and down the beach and I couldn’t see her. I keep looking out for her,” she said.
“She saved my life. She doesn’t know the difference she made to me that day.”
Anyone who can help identify the good Samaritan is urged to contact 7NEWS via our Facebook page.
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