Man who sets himself on fire still in intensive care

Burned clothing and water containers can be seen as police inspect at the scene outside Z fuel station on 11th Ave and Cameron Rd, where a man set himself on fire. Photo / Andrew Warner

A man who doused himself with petrol and set himself on fire outside a Tauranga fuel station remains in a critical condition.

The 55-year-old Tauranga man suffered "extremely critical" burns on Saturday afternoon when he set fire to himself at a bus stop near the exit of Z fuel station on 11th Ave and Cameron Rd.

He was flown to Middlemore Hospital later in the day.

Today, a hospital spokeswoman said he was in a critical condition in the intensive care unit.

Z station owner and operator Dave Gillies said the man had walked into the station about 3.15pm and bought a five-litre fuel container.

The man prepaid $10 of petrol, he said.

The last that station staff saw of the man was him putting the fuel in his container and leaving, toward Cameron Rd.

"The next thing my guys saw was a little plume of black smoke coming up from behind Sierra Cafe. Then a member of the public raised the alarm with a team member on the forecourt.

"They grabbed the two fire extinguishers we have out the front of the forecourt and our member of the public had already called the emergency services."

Tauranga police Acting Senior Sergeant Tristian Murray said several members of the public and the fuel station staff had acted heroically in trying to help the man.

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Where to get help:

• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)

• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)

• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)

• CASPER Suicide Prevention

• If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.