Man seen ‘rolling around on fire’ after huge van explosion

A man has been airlifted to hospital with serious burn injuries following an explosion in a van near Huddersfield.

Police, emergency services and the fire brigade were called to reports that a vehicle had exploded in Clayton West at 1.39pm on Thursday.

A man was found suffering burns following the incident and was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary, said West Yorkshire Police.

A neighbour told Examiner Live that they saw a man on fire trying to put out the flames by rolling around on the grass outside.

Residents also reported hearing several explosions following by huge plumes of thick smoke.

A neighbour said: There was a very loud noise. I came out and saw all the smoke and then there were another couple of bangs.

‘My son said there was a young man on fire rolling around on the grass trying to extinguish the flames.

‘The air ambulance landed at The Scout Hut and took someone to Pinderfields Hospital I think.’

Local councillor Will Simpson lives nearby and he said the second blast would have been heard at least a mile away.

A West Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said: ‘Police and emergency services were called at 1.39pm to reports that a vehicle had exploded and caught fire on Ings Mill Avenue in Clayton West.

‘One man has been seriously injured and has been taken to Leeds General Infirmary. Inquiries are ongoing.’

A West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Servicespokeswoman said: ‘Firefighters have dealt with a fire following an explosion inside a van.

‘The fire has spread to a garage and a house has also been partially damaged.

‘The fire is now out.’

Emergency services remain at the scene.

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