Two men are recovering at Vaiola Hospital in Tongatapu after sustaining burn injuries when an apparent gas tanker used in road sealing works exploded in Vavaʻu.
The injured men have been identified as Sione Nimo and Maikolo Uhi, both from Neiafu, Vavaʻu, who were working on a government road at the time of the incident.
The explosion reportedly occurred while equipment was being used to heat and melt bitumen — the binding material in asphalt — for roadworks.
The two remain hospitalised at Vaiola Hospital, where they are receiving treatment for burns sustained during the incident.
Further details surrounding the cause of the blast have not yet been officially released.
Photographs obtained by Kaniva News, which reportedly show the injured men, depict two patients confined to hospital beds with visible bandaging covering parts of their bodies, including their faces, consistent with burn treatment.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the incident is under investigation or if workplace safety protocols are being reviewed. No other injuries were reported.
