Driver injured as van explodes in Kington

The driver of a panel van has had an astonishing escape after gas canisters in the back of his van went on fire and exploded.

The man was driving on the A44 near Marston between Kington and Leominster in Herefordshire at around 7.40am this morning when the incident happened.

An ambulance, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We were called to reports of a small panel van carrying gas cylinders that had exploded.

“On arrival, ambulance staff found the van that had been completely burnt out.

“Thankfully the driver, a man in his 40s, had managed to get out of the vehicle before it was consumed by the fire.

“He was assessed and treated at the scene before being taken by land ambulance to Hereford County Hospital.”