Driver escapes car after explosion in Schladming

A 47-year-old driver was injured when his car exploded in Schladming, in the Liezen district, on Saturday, ORF reported.

The man was trying to start the car at about 7:45 a.m. Two chemical drums and a gas cylinder were inside. Police said he lit a cigarette, after which a sudden explosion occurred, likely because gas had leaked beforehand.

The blast severely damaged the vehicle. The driver escaped through a side window. Paramedics treated him at the scene and took him to Diakonissen Hospital in Schladming with injuries of unspecified severity.