The family of a man critically injured in a multi‑million‑dollar restaurant blaze in Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills has praised his heroic actions, saying he saved his sister’s life before suffering burns to 70 per cent of his body.
Baljeet Singh, 47, remains in a critical condition in the Royal Adelaide Hospital’s burns unit after undergoing emergency surgery.
WATCH ABOVE: Family want to find those behind Adelaide Hills restaurant blaze
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His brother‑in‑law Inderjeet Singh told 7NEWS the father‑of‑two acted without hesitation when flames erupted inside the Mustard Seed restaurant on Tuesday night.
“My brother‑in‑law… he got a lot of fire on him and saved my wife. He’s a brave man,” Inderjeet said.
Singh and his sister Satbir had heard a strange noise and went inside to investigate when the restaurant suddenly exploded in flames.
“All of a sudden a big, big fire lit up… he pushed my wife away and he was pretty much burned, and my wife got burned as well,” Inderjeet said.
He says the family is shattered by the extent of Singh’s injuries.
“His skin is all burned… he’s got 70 per cent burns all over his body. He’s a tough man and we are praying for him.”
Inderjeet also said his family had nothing to do with starting the fire and is hurt by online comments about an unrelated court matter.
“With the rumours and speculation, I just feel so sad,” he said.
“This is really devastating because right now we are going through a lot of pain and mental pressure.”
The restaurant owners say Mustard Seed had become their second home, a place filled with memories and loyal customers who felt like family.
Inderjeet believes the fire is suspicious and hopes police will uncover what happened.
“I want to know why this happened or who done it or how this happens. If someone’s got any information or any CCTV footage, it would really help,” he said.
Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills draws roughly over one million visitors a year, making it one of South Australia’s busiest tourist destinations.
Police investigations are continuing.
