Brothers seriously injured after homemade rocket explosion in rural Queensland

Two brothers were seriously injured in rural Queensland today after a homemade rocket they were trying to build blew up in their hands.

Fire crews teamed up with paramedics to save the young boys, who were both burned and bloodied in the explosion.

Luke Stanley, 13, was loaded into an ambulance in a serious condition after suffering cuts and burns.

His younger brother, 11-year-old Daniel, was taken by helicopter to Townsville Hospital in a critical condition after receiving a significant hand injury and a cut to his face.

The boys’ father Adrian was killed in a similar accident three weeks ago, when a chemical drum he was welding exploded.

Both explosions occurred at their isolated home at Hervey Range, more than 30 minutes’ drive from Townsville, however police do not believe the incidents are related.