A 36-year-old man suffered serious burns when he was refueling a jetski and there was an explosion at a popular camping area on the Hawkesbury River this afternoon.

CareFlight’s Rapid Response Helicopter was tasked to help shortly before 4.00pm and was in the air in less than four minutes.

Bystanders provided first aid, placing the man under a shower initially.

CareFlight’s specialist doctor and NSW Ambulance critical care paramedic provided additional treatment for burns to the upper body and airways. The man was intubated and placed in an induced coma to stablise him.

NSW Police and NSW Ambulance crews arrived by road and also provided assistance.

The patient was airlifted to Concord Hospital’s burns unit in a serious but stable condition.