Man taken to hospital after '˜huge van explosion'

A man in his 50's has been taken to Leeds General Infirmary with facial and head burns after a '˜huge van explosion' this lunchtime.

By The Newsroom

Published 8th Jul 2016, 14:28 BST

Updated 25th Aug 2016, 20:47 BST

Picture of the scene: photo copyright Steve Midgley

The incident happened around 12.10pm on Southowram Bank as fire crews from Halifax and Rastrick were called to the scene.

One eye witness who lives nearby to where the incident happened said the roof was blown completely off and the windscreen had landed near to her garden.

“There was a massive explosion. It was like something had hit the house.

“We ran down and saw the driver sitting in the car. He was in total shock.

“We thought it was a car bomb it was that bad. It was awful.”

It is believed the explosion was caused by a gas leak in the van and was ignited by the driver lighting a cigarette.

The blaze has caused police to close Southowram Bank, Blaithroyd Lane and Godley Branch Road.

Motorists are being warned to avoid the area and expect delays on the surrounding roads.