diff --git a/ext/hls/gsthlsdemux.c b/ext/hls/gsthlsdemux.c
index 080a39baa2..b835acb785 100644
--- a/ext/hls/gsthlsdemux.c
+++ b/ext/hls/gsthlsdemux.c
@@ -972,7 +972,8 @@ _src_event (GstPad * pad, GstObject * parent, GstEvent * event)
           demux->pending_buffer = NULL;
         }
       } else {
-        gst_buffer_unref (demux->pending_buffer);
+        if (demux->pending_buffer)
+          gst_buffer_unref (demux->pending_buffer);
         demux->pending_buffer = NULL;
       }