Gas explosion in village (From Witney Gazette)

Gas explosion in village

12:14am Monday 1st September 2008 in Witney By Jason Collie

Two cars were destroyed in an apparent gas cylinder explosion in an Oxfordshire village tonight.

Firefighters were called to Redbrick House in Bruern, west Oxfordshire, just before 8pm, a fire service spokesman said.

Police spokesman Adam Fisher said initial reports were a fire had started in a domestic oil store at the property which spread to propane gas cylinders.

Two cars were then badly damaged in the ensuing blaze, he said.

There was no-one injured. The fire is now out.

Locals said they heard two explosions.

A 200m safety zone keeping villagers back was put in, emergency services' spokesmen said.

The fire service said firefighters had been cooling down the area to prevent any further fires but expected to leave the scene shortly.

The cause of the fire was not known tonight but Mr Fisher added scenes of crime officers would be investigating in the morning but this was routine.