Wellington, March 17 NZPA - A student has been injured in an explosion in a welding work shop at a Taranaki polytech this afternoon.

The blast is believed to have occurred after oxygen leaked from a tank at the Western Institute of Technology in New Plymouth.

The oxygen then ignited, resulting in a quickly-expanding explosive flash, Fire Safety inspector Peter Gallagher said.

The student was admitted to hospital apparently suffering from burns. His condition was not immediately known.

The incident has been referred to the Department of Labour.

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