This shocking footage shows an oil tanker blowing up in a violent explosion that killed two and injured two more as trapped gas began uncontrollably seeping out and caught on fire while it was apparently being serviced.
The deadly blast occurred at a service station in Ya’an, in China’s south-western Sichuan Province, at around 5:40 pm on 7th November.
One of the victims was reportedly the tanker’s driver, who attempted to put out the flames with a fire extinguisher.
Officials have not revealed his name or the identity of the other deceased.
Horrified witnesses told how the driver stayed behind and tried to battle the blaze despite it spreading dangerously fast.
In the end, they could hear him screaming for help but he could not be saved.
He perished in the fire and his body was completely burned.
A woman told local media that her cousin and his wife were injured in the incident.
The woman’s injuries were severe, while the man was reported to be in slightly better condition.
Rescuers are still reportedly searching for potential victims while clear-up operations are underway.
Investigators said there were two trucks full of hazardous chemicals parked next to the tanker that exploded and the fire quickly spread to them.
The cause of the incident is under investigation.
