AN eight-year-old girl is in a stable condition in hospital after being injured in an explosion at a Tenerife hotel, according to her grandfather.

Robyn Anne Hughes and her mother Kirsteen, aged 37, of Fernside, Radcliffe, were badly hurt when a food heater exploded at a poolside bar at the four-star Bahia Principe hotel in Tenerife.

Kirsteen, a former University of Bolton student, sustained serious burns to her face and scalp while Robyn Anne sustained moderate burns to her neck and ear.

The hotel’s general manager described the accident as “surprising” and said he had heard that the family were “recovering nicely”.

Robyn Anne’s grandfather, who also lives in Radcliffe, said he understood the condition of the victims to have stabilised.

“They have a strong group of friends around them out there,” he said.

“Obviously our thoughts are all with them as they hopefully make a quick recovery.”

Kirsteen’s husband Stephen suffered minor injuries in the blast last Friday, December 27. A Belgian man also suffered minor injuries.

The hotel’s general manager Jose Luise Fernandez said the hotel was giving full support to loved ones of the injured.

Mr Fernandez added: “According to medical sources and family members, the four guests are thankfully recovering nicely.

“We wish them a complete and speedy recovery.”

On the cause of the explosion, Mr Fernandez said: “The fire started after a server attending the snack bar had prepared the burner dish with a corresponding gel packet used for fuel, in order to warm the serving plates.

“After the explosion, the hotel’s help crew and risk-prevention team immediately called upon the aid of fire rescue to attend to the injured guests and were taken to nearby hospitals without delay.

“We find this accident unusual and surprising since this product passes all safety certifications for use and all parts passed timely technical revisions.

“All staff using the equipment are highly trained to use it.

“We are anticipating the results and analysis of police investigators hoping for answers on the cause of this accident.”