A VAN carrying gas cylinders erupted into a fireball after petrol flooded its engine at 11pm yesterday in Blackamoor Road, Blackburn.

The road was closed between Roman Road and Guide, while Blackburn fire fighters tackled the blaze.

Leading firefighter Steve Boyne said: "The driver of the van had off-loaded the cylinders and attempted to extinguish the blaze.

"But he lost control of the fire and by the time we arrived the van was well alight, sending a fireball into the air."

He added: "We initially had massive concerns about sending crews towards the fire, because of the gas cylinders.

"Thankfully, the vehicle was sufficiently away from domestic housing and we were able to bring the fire under control quickly."

The fire started when the engine of the dual fuel vehicle was flooded by petrol after the gas supply cut out.