Mill Park explosion: Cause of massive fire that left 15 New Year's Eve revellers injured is revealed

Cause of Mill Park explosion revealed Up to 15 people were injured by blast  Do you know more? Email [email protected]  READ MORE: Mill Park explosion injures 15 people after horror NYE celebration

A chemical accelerant believed to have been poured onto a fire during a busy New Year’s Eve party enjoyed by up to 100 revellers has been revealed as the cause of a horror explosion as harrowing new details emerged.

Fifteen revellers were injured while eight were left with serious burns after the blaze erupted in the backyard of a Mill Park home, in Melbourne’s north-east at about 11.10pm on Sunday night.

Eight patients were rushed to The Alfred Hospital while three others transported to The Northern Hospital.

Detectives investigating the blast now believe a chemical was poured onto the fire.

Fifteen people have been injured and eight left with serious burns after a fire erupted in a Melbourne backyard during New Year’s Eve celebrations (pictured)

‘It is believed a chemical was poured onto a fire at a New Year’s Eve party in the backyard of a Development Boulevard property about 11pm, which has caused an explosion,’ a Victoria Police spokeswoman said.

‘A 40-year-old Mill Park man was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries however has since been downgraded to being in a serious condition.

‘Three other adults also sustained injuries and another seven were taken to hospital with minor burns.’

One of the hospitalised patients has since been discharged.

Another four patients were treated at the scene  by paramedics but didn’t need hospitalisation.

Detectives were seen searching the rear of the property on Monday which was blocked off with police tape as the investigation continued.

Several bags of evidence were taken from the home, including bottles and containers filled with liquid.

Detectives investigating the blast now believe a chemical was poured on the fire (pictured, CCTV from a neighbour captured the explosion which is seen erupting over the fence)

Neighbours said up to 100 revellers had been at the party before the fire suddenly erupted and emergency services filled the suburban street.

Resident Tony said he had thought the blast was the sound of fireworks.

‘I heard a loud bang and that was at about 11pm, I thought it was just fireworks, and thought that they were starting early,’ Tony told the Herald Sun.

‘Then I saw fire brigades coming by and I thought “that’s not good”.

Another resident said they thought it had been a ‘firework gone wrong’.