Teen on manslaughter charge over car gas-explosion

A Blenheim teenager has been charged with manslaughter over the death of a friend killed when a portable gas bottle exploded in car.

Eighteen-year-old Thomas Kelson Hillman, of Picton, died last October in a car in which teens had been sniffing LPG from a portable gas bottle.

Police said at the time it appeared a cigarette may have been lit in the car, igniting the gas.

Tristian Ceciel Grant Beckett, 19, appeared in Blenheim District Court this week, charged with manslaughter.

He pleaded not guilty and was remanded until July 6.

- NZPA