Man Suffers Horrific Burns In Car Fire At Pelican

BY IAN CROUCH

A 71-year-old man has been airlifted to Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital after he suffered serious burns in a car fire at Pelican this morning.

Emergency services were called to Lakeview Parade just before 7.30 to find the car engulfed in flames - the cause of the fire is not known at this stage.

Glen Ramplin from the Hunter's Westpac Rescue Helicopter says it's believed the man was transporting a barbeque gas bottle at the time.

"A 71-year-old gentleman was driving the vehicle. I's believed he may have had gas bottles on board and somehow or other a fire has occurred. He sustained quite serious injuries and he's now being flown the Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney for further treatment," he said.

Woman sets man alight in Hamilton

BY IAN CROUCH and JESSICA ROUSE

Forensic police spent much of yesterday in Hamilton South after a woman allegedly set a man on fire during a domestic dispute.

Police say she doused the 26-year-old man in petrol before using a cigarette lighter to set him alight at a property on Triumph Way.

The man was in a serious condition last night at Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital but is now listed in a serious but stable condition with critical burns.

The 28-year-old woman also suffered burns during the incident and has since been released from hospital - she's expected to face Newcastle Local Court today.

Lake Macquarie Burns Victim Dies In Hospital

BY IAN CROUCH

 The woman who was found unconscious inside her burning home at Pelican on Sunday has sadly died in Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital.

63-year-old Pamela Wilds suffered critical injuries in the blaze, which tore through the bedroom of her Karog Street home.

Her 18-year-old neighbour, Robert Kidd, who tried to rescue her, remains in a stable condition in the John Hunter Hospital.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined but police are not treating as suspicious.

A report is being prepared for the Coroner.

Pamela Wilds Photo courtesy the herald.com.au

Two Inmates Badly Burned in Cessnock Gaol Fire

BY IAN CROUCH

 Two inmates remain in a critical condition and at least one prison guard has been treated for burns after a fire broke out at Cessnock Gaol last night.

The blaze started in a maximum security cell just after 8pm - the two inmates aged 21 and 24 were flown to the Burns Unit at Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital by the Hunter's Westpac Rescue Helicopter and the Ambulance Rescue Helicopter.

Police say 12 prison officers and staff needed treatment including for smoke inhalation.

Corrective Services Commissioner, Peter Severin says it's believed the fire started when bed linen and clothing were set alight.

One of the inmates is loaded into the Ambulance Rescue helicopter

Fire crews leave Cessnock Gaol after extinguishing the fire Photos courtesy Fairfax media.