Safety probe after van blast
HUGE EXPLOSION OUTSIDE HOUSE LEFT A MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED
A DRAMATIC explosion that left a workman seriously injured and his van destroyed has been referred to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
West Yorkshire Police has confirmed it is not investigating the devastating blaze at Clayton West on Thursday.
Eyewitnesses saw a man on fire and heard at least two explosions as a huge fireball went up at a property in the village between Huddersfield and Wakefield.
The dramatic incident appears to have been an accident and the HSE will publish a report in the coming months.
The victim was yesterday described as seriously injured. His current condition is not yet known.
The development comes as photos of the charred remains of a Volkswagen van and the damaged property were published by West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS).
More than 30 firefighters rushed to the blaze at Ings Mill Avenue after the van explosion set fire to a house at 1.39pm.
Crews from Skelmanthorpe, Ossett, Wakefield, Dewsbury, Mirfield and Cleckheaton were involved in the rescue alongside specialist ambulance crews, police and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
Pictures published online by the part-time Skelmanthorpe station show the fire had totally destroyed the van while significant damage had been caused to the semi-detached house where it was parked.
A spokesperson for WYFRS said: “On arrival crews were faced with a developing incident following an explosion/ fire in a large van which had spread to a house.
“Two crews in breathing apparatus with hose reel jets made the initial attack on the fire, completing a full search of the property while crews outside dealt with the van and stopped the fire spreading.
“One casualty was transported by Air Ambulance to hospital for treatment.
“Crews used five breathing apparatus, three hose reel jets, one large jet to extinguish the fire.”