Family burned in NSW picnic BBQ explosion

Five people, including two children, have been taken to hospital with severe burns after a barbecue exploded in the NSW southern highlands.

The family was trying to light the barbecue at a picnic area in the Belanglo State Forest about 12.30pm on Sunday when the explosion occurred, police said.

One adult and a child who sustained serious burns to face and chest were airlifted to Concord Hospital while two other adults and a child were taken by road to Liverpool Hospital.

Police have set up a crime scene and will investigate the incident.