Woman using lighter to seek source of gas leak, sparks explosion

A woman suffered serious burns in a gas explosion at her apartment in Wuhan, Hubei province, after using a lighter to find the source of a gas leak.

The explosion on Monday has left the 30-year-old, Zhang Hua, with burns covering 80 percent of her body. She is now receiving treatment at the Wuhan No.3 Hospital but is in critical condition.

Zhang rented a second-story apartment at the city's Hongshan district. Zhang's apartment, along with those of her closest neighbors, were severely damaged in the explosion. No other injuries have been reported.

Huang Qinghong, a neighbor living next door, heard Zhang's calls for help right after the explosion and immediately rushed to her aid.

Huang, who called the ambulance and paid Zhang's medical bills, said her skin had turned pale and her hair was singed, but that she could still walk and was conscious when he found her.

On their way to the hospital, Zhang told Huang that she had smelt gas and tried to find the source of the leak with a lighter.

The explosion happened once she lit the lighter.

Employees from the Wuhan natural gas company said the gas hose in Zhang's kitchen had broken and leaked.

Zhang, a native of Liaoning Province, lived in the apartment by herself. Her family have been informed and are on their way to Wuhan.