Parents of burned boy want answers

By STUART DYE education reporter


The parents of a 16-year-old will confront his college today to ask why he suffered 28 per cent burns while on a school camping trip.

Phillip Mann was camping with about 25 classmates from Rangitoto College when a gas stove apparently exploded, dousing him in flames. It is understood a report produced by the college suggested it was an unfortunate accident.

But two weeks after it happened, Phillip remains in hospital dosed up on pain-killing drugs.

His mother, El Mann, said there was no news on when he would be allowed home or how long-lasting his injuries could be.

Mrs Mann said she wanted to know exactly what had happened so it could be prevented in future.

An internal report by Rangitoto College concludes that the injuries were the result of an accident, according to Phillip's father, Paul Mann.

But the report was "full of holes" and left many questions unanswered. he said.

"It's all very vague - the only information I've had is from the students and not from any of the teachers who were there," he said.

It is believed one student attempted to fix a broken stove which exploded on to other lit burners, spraying students in gas and flames. Several needed hospital treatment but Phillip was the most badly hurt.

The keen surfer has burns on his face, legs and arms that need regular cleaning and dressing.

Mr Mann visited the campsite where the accident happened on Motutapu Island over the weekend to see the scene for himself.

"Where it happened looks an awfully small space for so many stoves in such proximity.

"There's no clarification on what safety measures were in place, if any," he said.

Rangitoto principal Allan Peachey said the school had produced its own accident report, but he was unable to comment pending a full Occupational Safety and Health investigation.

The incident comes as many school principals are banning school camps in the light of new laws making them liable for student and staff injuries or deaths.