A man is in hospital with serious injuries incurred when a gas canister exploded in an industrial area of Invercargill.
Witnesses spoken to by Radio New Zealand say the explosion was extremely loud and shook nearby buildings.
The incident happened outside Southern Brakes and Driveline on Clyde Street about 3pm on Monday. Emergency services cordoned off the block for about two hours.
The Fire Service's acting assistant area manager for Invercargill, Neil Ladbrook, says the injured man smelt gas coming from the deck of his ute and was opening the tray when the canister exploded.
Mr Ladbrook says the explosion didn't cause a fire, but the force sent the man backwards. It was an acetylene gas canister commonly used for welding.
