A man has been taken to Leeds General Infirmary after a huge explosion tore apart the van he was driving.
The incident happened at around 12.10pm on Friday on Southowram Bank, Southowram, Calderdale, near to its junction with Blaithroyd Lane.
Paramedics, police and fire crews attended the scene.
People living near to the scene said the van’s roof and windscreen were blown off by the force of the blast. The windscreen landed close to a resident’s garden.
The explosion also set fire to the van. The road was closed as the emergency services dealt with the incident.
Police said the injured man is in his 50s. The extent of his injuries have not been disclosed.
Motorists were initially advised to avoid the area but the roads were reopened several hours after the blast.
The cause of the explosion is under investigation. It is understood that the vehicle was carrying gas canisters.
Halifax police posted a photo on Facebook of the scene of the explosion. It shows a burned-out van surrounded by debris, including a door.
A police spokesman thanked drivers for being courteous.
