Man stable after van engulfs in flames at Cannonvale petrol station

The driver of a van that caught fire was taken to hospital after explosions were heard near a service station in Cannonvale. Watch:

A man in his 40s was taken to hospital after his van exploded and engulfed in flames at a fuel pump.

Police were called to the Shute Harbour Road Shell petrol station, across from Cannonvale State School last night at around 9pm.

Footage shows the van completely engulfed beside the petrol pump as cars make the quick escape

The man was in his car at the time of the explosion but made a quick escape before the flames could reach him.

Acting Store Manager Marie Bogie said the man had been driving along Shute Harbour Road when he saw smoke coming out of his vehicle.

The man pulled up at the service station before an explosion was heard, setting his van on fire right next to the petrol pumps.

One staff member closed the petrol station at the time of incident but no damage was made to the building.

A Queensland Fire Department spokesman said two fire and rescue crew worked to extinguish the flames “for some time” before completely putting it out just before 10pm last night.

The driver was taken to Proserpine hospital with smoke inhalation but escaped with no other injuries.

It was the third car fire that day after emergency services responded to two separate incidents less than five kilometres from each other near Rockhampton yesterday.

No body required treatment at both incidents though one of the cars started a nearby grassfire which was put out by firefighters shortly after.

Originally published as Man stable after van engulfs in flames at Cannonvale petrol station