A man is in a critical condition in hospital following a gas explosion in northern Victoria.
The man, believed to be in his 40s, was one of six people hospitalised with upper body injuries after the incident.
Emergency crews were called to a container recycling facility on Numurkah Road in Shepparton North at about 8am, and have told the ABC that the explosion was caused by a metal shredding machine.
The man in his 40s was airlifted to the Alfred Hospital, and on Tuesday afternoon he remained in a critical but stable condition.
A man believed to be in his 60s was airlifted in a serious condition and the hospital advised he had stabilised.
Four others – two men and two women – were taken by road to Goulburn Valley Health in a stable condition.
Fire Rescue Victoria's response was supported by the Country Fire Authority, but the flames had been extinguished by the time they arrived.
WorkSafe Victoria is onsite at Rose & Co Services and interviewing staff to try to determine the cause of the explosion.
The facility recycles containers such as aerosol cans and fire extinguishers.