Former top politician seriously hurt in barbecue explosion
Former NSW police minister David Elliot has revealed he suffered serious burns in a barbecue explosion.
Elliot was trying to get his new barbecue going when he was hit by a burst of fire.
"I just assumed the barbecue ignition wasn't working properly," he told 2GB's Ben Fordham.
"It was very much a case of one flash and you're ash."
Elliot said the incident was "very traumatic".
"It's quite amazing that I didn't lose sight in my eyes," he said.
"The home is the most dangerous place for a middle-aged man, because we assume we can do things we can't."
David Elliott suffered severe burns in the barbecue explosion. 2GB
Elliot was immediately given first aid but suffered serious burns to his face.
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"I felt like a fool because I spent five years as emergency services minister starting every summer telling people to be careful around their gas barbecues," he said.
"And I did exactly what (former RFS Commissioner) Shane Fitzsimmons and (Fire and Rescue Commissioner) Paul Baxter told me not to do.
"The good news is it didn't affect my modelling career."
Elliott is a familiar face to NSW residents, serving as minister for emergency services, transport and police in his time in parliament.
He did not contest the 2023 election.
David Elliott served in a series of senior cabinet positions in NSW parliament. Nick Moir
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