AN INVESTIGATION is today under way after a man suffered severe burns when his caravan was destroyed in a gas explosion.

The force of the explosion completely ripped out the touring caravan’s walls and roof with just a pile of debris remaining.

Hampshire fire and rescue investigators are trying to establish the exact circumstances leading up to the explosion on private land off Sky End Lane, Hordle.

The sole occupant of the caravan, Frank Decanio, is being treated for severe burns.

The 31-year-old labourer ran from the explosion in his jogging bottoms and bare feet to the house of neighbour Alison Carter.

She called an ambulance and covered him in cold towels until paramedics arrived.

The 49-year-old counsellor said: “He was covered in blood and screaming. He was in a right state.

“I called an ambulance and put cold towels on him. It seemed like a lifetime but it was not long before paramedics arrived.

“I don’t know how he managed to get out of the caravan. The survival instinct must have kicked in.”

Her husband Garry, 51, a flooring company director, said: “The caravan was totally disintegrated and Frank was in a terrible state with burns to his face, hands and feet.”

Twelve firefighters from New Milton spent nearly an hour making the scene safe after being called shortly after 6.30am.