Man dies in explosion near Gladstone

A man has died in a explosion in central Queensland.

A Queensland Police spokeswoman says officers were called to a waste mangement business at South Trees near Gladstone following reports of an explosion around 12.30pm (AEST).

A man was taken to hospital in a critical condition but was pronounced dead a short time later.

The police spokeswoman couldn't say what caused the blast but said an investigation was underway.