A birthday party bonfire has exploded at Stanthorpe burning guests up to 20 metres away.

The explosion created a ''flash flame'' leaving one man in a critical condition.  It’s believed two large cans of paint thinner may have been thrown onto the fire causing the terrifying explosion about 9pm.

Five fire crews responded to the Sugarloaf property to extinguish flames before RACQ CareFlight and the EMQ helicopter were tasked to airlift patients from Stanthorpe Hospital to Brisbane.

Seven people aged between 18 and 22 were initially taken to Stanthorpe Hospital then four were tonight airlifted to the Royal Brisbane Hospital.

“We transported a 19 year old female with burns to 20% of her body – predominantly on the arms, legs and back.  She was in a serious but stable condition with a combination of full and partial thickness burns,” said RACQ CareFlight Air Crewman Matt O’Rourke.

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Media Contact Brooke Crosby 0423 563 862