Two people have been taken to hospital following an explosion and unit fire in Kingscliff this morning.

Emergency services were called to Monarch Drive shortly before 7.30am (Monday, 7 July 2025), and found a single-level retirement unit well-alight.

An 85-year-old man has been taken to Royal Brisbane Hospital with severe burns; he’s described as being in a critical condition.

An 83-year-old woman has suffered minor burns to her face and body and is in a stable condition at Tweed Valley Hospital.

Officers attached to Tweed/Byron Police District are working with Fire and Rescue NSW investigating the cause; however, initial advice to police indicates the cause may be a leak from an internal portable gas appliance.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis.

The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.