A man is in a coma after suffering serious facial injuries in an explosion at work.

Andrew Foster, who coaches youth sides at Sheppey Rugby Club, is in a critical but stable condition at King’s College Hospital, London.

The Health and Safety Executive has launched an investigation into the accident – which fractured every bone in the 36-year-old's face.

He suffered a bleed on the brain, severe damage to both eyes and is likely to have lost sight in one of them. Reconstructive surgery is scheduled to take place today.

It is believed an oil drum exploded at Highway Care Ltd, in Detling, where he works as a welder and fabricator.

The father-of-two, pictured above, was airlifted to the intensive care unit last Monday at about 5pm.

He was put into an induced coma by rapid response teams before the Kent Air Ambulance took off.

His wife Donna has been travelling to the hospital from their home in New Road, Minster, every day.

She said: "We’re just taking it day by day with him and step by step.

"I am grateful for all the help and support that people have given, and the rugby club has given me money to save towards the cost of travel."

The couple have two children, Kirstie, six, and Keenan, 13, who has been coached at the club by his dad since he was six.

Close friend and coaching partner at Sheppey RFC Dave Woottoncorr said: "Everyone is worried and interested in how he is getting on and, obviously, hopes he gets back on his feet as soon as possible."

Andrew Foster was injured at the Highway Care site, in Detling

Highway Care director Peter Ranson said: "The full circumstances surrounding this accident are under investigation.

"I was working in my office not far from the location of the accident, and I became aware that something had happened on hearing a very loud explosion.

"At the time the weather was thunderous and I first thought there had been a lightning strike.

"I went to investigate and was met by a colleague who advised of the serious nature of the incident and asked that I contact the emergency services. I immediately called 999.

"The emergency services were, both in the attendance and in the actions they took, marvellous in their efforts to deal with our injured employee, and in assisting and comforting his colleagues.

"The paramedic who first arrived on site immediately contacted the air ambulance, and within minutes the attending medical teams had full control of events on site.

"We have of course co-operated in every way with the authorities and have provided all documentation requested, and continue to work closely with them.

"We will ensure that all support that we are able to provide for the family so badly affected by this dreadful accident will be provided by the company."