Qld cops praised over unit blast

Two police officers who were burnt in a fatal unit explosion in north Queensland are likely to be recommended for bravery awards.

The male and female officers were injured in the blast after going to a Bowen property on Saturday for a welfare check.

The pair could smell gas when they arrived and were trying forcing their way into the unit when the explosion occurred. The male resident later died in hospital.

Inspector Ian Haughton said the officers were trying to get inside the unit when the blast rang out.

They battled their way in despite the building being on fire, a courageous course of action that could see them nominated for bravery awards.

"They still entered the unit to try and ensure the welfare of that person, who was still alive at that point," he told ABC Radio on Monday.

"Additionally they evacuated the unit complex with some urgency even though they had both suffered injuries themselves."

The resident, 54, was taken to Bowen Hospital in a critical condition but died on Sunday morning.

The female officer suffered second degree burns to her face and chest, while the male officer suffered minor burns.

Police are treating the man's death as non-suspicious and will prepare a report for the coroner.

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