A FATHER-OF-ONE was battling for his life yesterday after he suffered extensive burns when he accidentally ignited a can of petrol which exploded. The 37-year-old, originally from Latvia, accidentally set himself alight in his garden shed at his home in Skehard Road, Blackrock, Cork, shortly after 9am on Thursday.
It is understood the man went to the shed with the intention of getting his lawnmower and lit a cigarette near a can of petrol, which went on to ignite.
The man's one-year-old daughter was in the back garden when the accident happened, but she was not injured.
The man tried to douse the flames by throwing himself on the ground, but when this failed he rushed to a neighbour's house for assistance.
The emergency services were on the scene within minutes of being called and the man underwent emergency surgery at Cork University Hospital. His condition was described as critical.
Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to come forward to contact Blackrock Garda station at 021-4357401.