NT guard injured as gas canister ignites

An Alice Springs prison guard has suffered burns to his chest and a hand after a capsicum spray gas canister ignited.

The man was on duty and wearing a vest equipped with the canister at the time of the incident on Sunday.

He was initially admitted to the Alice Springs Hospital but has now been flown to Adelaide for further treatment.

He is also reported to be suffering respiratory issues.

NT authorities said colleagues and the correction centre's medical team immediately came to the man's aid.

They said the canister ignited without warning.

The incident was also reported to NT WorkSafe which has launched an investigation.

Correctional Services Commissioner Scott McNairn has ordered all similar gas canisters to be withdrawn from use in both Darwin and Alice Springs until the investigation is complete.