Man severely burned in firework mishap at NT Carols by Candlelight

An Adelaide pyrotechnician is in the intensive care unit at Royal Darwin Hospital after a faulty firework exploded in his face during last night's Carols by Candlelight in Darwin.

It's believed Robert Balfour's severe burns could have been fatal had it not been for the quick response of off-duty paramedics.

"It could have been a lot worse and we could have been looking at a fatal," St John Paramedic Mark Ferguson said.

Mr Balfour was burnt across his mouth, neck and chest.

His wife Jess was at the performance and the pair is expected to return to SA as soon as possible to allow Mr Balfour access to specialist treatment at Royal Adelaide Hospital.

This morning police interviewed witnesses, while WorkSafe NT is now conducting an investigation.