A motorist escaped with his life after his car exploded when a cigarette ignited an air freshener.
Shocking pictures show the doors, windscreen and roof of the charred Ford Focus completely blown out in a B&Q car park in Southend, Essex.
Firefighters said a build-up of gases from an air freshener were accidentally ignited by a cigarette, adding ‘it’s not something we’ve even seen before’.
Shocking pictures show the doors, windscreen and roof of the charred Ford Focus completely blown out in a B&Q car park in Southend, Essex
Firefighters said a build-up of gases from an air freshener was accidentally ignited by a cigarette
Police and firefighters were seen at the B&Q car park inspecting the vehicle as the driver was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital with minor injuries.
Shocked bystander Albert Quixall said on Twitter: ‘Just missed witnessing car explosion near Southend.
‘Very loud bang. Ford Focus doors, windscreen, roof blown out.. B&Q staff rushing to help.’
An Essex Fire Service spokesman added: ‘I don’t think this has ever happened before – it’s not something we’ve even seen before.
‘The explosion happened after a build-up of gases from an air freshener was accidentally ignited by a cigarette.’
Police and firefighters were seen at the B&Q car park inspecting the vehicle as the driver was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital with minor injuries
An Essex Fire Service spokesman added: ‘I don’t think this has ever happened before – it’s not something we’ve even seen before’
The spokesman said the accidental explosion set fire to the 51-reg car which suffered ‘significant damage.’
A spokesman for the East of England Ambulance said: ‘An ambulance and ambulance officer were sent.
‘They treated one patient of unknown age and gender for minor injuries. The patient was taken to Southend University Hospital.’
The explosion set fire to the 51-reg car which suffered ‘significant damage’
Temporary Assistant Divisional Officer Justin Benson-Ryal said: ‘Incidents like this are extremely rare, but it is important for everyone to be aware how flammable aerosol cans, such as air fresheners and deodorants, can be.
‘We strongly advise that you not to use an aerosol in a confined space and also you should not smoking during or shortly after use.’
He said ‘quantities of aerosols’ should not be stored in confined spaces nor exposed to sunlight and high temperatures.
Police and B&Q have been approached for comment.