Lasse Gustavson, from Sweden, was a young firefighter when he suffered severe burns to his face in a gas explosion and spent two months in a medically induced coma09:53, 16 Jun 2026A firefighter who sustained severe burns to his face has spoken out about his remarkable near-death experience — during which he claims to have discovered the meaning of life.‌Lasse Gustavson, from Sweden, was on duty when he became caught up in a massive gas explosion — and subsequently spent two months in a medically induced coma.‌Lasse was just 24-years-old when a fireball erupted while he was inside a fire truck alongside his colleague Leif. The terrified pair were forced to sprint through burning gas, sustaining horrific burns before being sedated upon arrival at hospital.‌Two months on, Lasse regained consciousness and was informed by his mother that Leif had died — something he claimed he was already aware of, having shared his near-death experience with him.He disclosed: "So what we say in our culture is that Leif passed away but my experience was that he has not just passed away — he had went home."‌Describing what that afterlife felt like and what he encountered there, he told the IANDS podcast: "I was very curious. I was like a child, you know, on New Year's on Christmas Eve. So I was thrown out in the nature. It was on a mountain ridge up on a big mountain ridge."And on my right side, it was a very very deep U-shaped valley. And it was a beautiful nature in this valley. It was a blue river in the bottom of the valley."And it was green forests and open meadows. It was wonderful nature. And on the other side of this valley, I had the same kind of mountain ridge with some cliffs on the edge and so on. So, wow. It was a really really wonderful well. And it was like a summer afternoon. It was calm. It was a good temperature. I was not freezing. It was not too warm. It was so like paradise."‌Four years after the incident, Lasse rejoined the fire service, before going on to support individuals who had endured extreme trauma.He has since inspired countless people through his motivational speaking — and during the recent podcast, he spoke candidly about what his near-death experience had taught him.‌Lasse, who has lived with facial burns for 45 years, said: "You are not separated. You are not separated but I will also say that I find the meaning of life is to be kind, try to be kind. And when you are not so kind, say sorry, that was not the best way to act. I'm sorry. I apologise for that."But I also think the meaning of life is to experience your own skills, your own talents and develop them. And I think there is an old saying that the meaning of life is to find your own gift and then give it away."On the subject of our purpose on this earth, he added: "To develop and to understand that love is the answer. It sounds like an old cliche, doesn't it? I think it's something inside that answer and you will have another chance to do better."‌Regarding whether he fears death following his profound experience, the 69-year-old explained he prefers to view it as returning home, something he has no concerns about, despite thoroughly enjoying life.Nevertheless, concerning the act of dying itself, he acknowledged that can be "tricky" and that while he isn't frightened of death, the process of reaching it remains a daunting prospect.Following the interview being uploaded to YouTube, which you can view in its entirety here, one viewer commented: "What a legend this guy is. You look at his face and see the horror he has gone through and yet still smiling and enjoying his life."Article continues belowAnother remarked: "This man is inspirational. Brave and cheerful despite what he has faced."