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.