A GAS explosion blasted windows and doors off Chelmsford Rugby Club on Saturday, injuring three and forcing the evacuation of 40 lunch guests.
Private chef Alan Thornton, 61, was cooking for the vice-president's lunch when a gas bottle valve exploded in his face, igniting the cookers and causing a blast which ripped out internal walls, doors and windows.
"It was so hard it knocked me out and everything was in slow motion – it happened so fast," he said.
But, with his arms and hair on fire, he managed to squeeze the valve back on – trapping the remaining fumes and potentially saving the clubhouse in Timsons Lane from a major disaster.
"The room fell in and we were trapped, we couldn't get out at first," said Mr Thornton, who is receiving "painful" treatment to burns on his face and body.
"It was sheer panic, my arm was alight and my hair was alight. If I hadn't managed to screw the valve back on, half the club wouldn't be here today."
All parties booked at the club before the end of the rugby season have been cancelled and home fixtures are being relocated.
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