Gas cylinder explodes in back of bin lorry injuring refuse worker

A bin man was almost knocked out after a gas cylinder exploded in the back of his lorry.

Video footage shows the moment an empty gas bottle, disposed of in a regular household bin, caught fire inside the lorry in Newham, London.

The worker who was lifting the bin from the back of the truck was taken to hospital with dizziness and hearing issues and is said to be recovering from his injuries.

As a bin is emptied into the back of the lorry and the refuse is crushed, a flash of light erupts.

A worker is seen standing just behind the vehicle as the canister explodes.

He can then be seen hunched over walking away from the lorry as smoke fills the air.

Others gather around the vehicle in horror trying to work out what caused the explosion.

Residents are now being urged to dispose of gas cannisters, vapes, electrics and batteries properly.

Councillor Sarah Ruiz said: ‘The recent explosion in one of our waste collection vehicles, which resulted in a member of our crew being rushed to the hospital with dizziness and hearing issues, is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by improperly disposed dangerous items.

‘We are grateful that our staff member is now recovering, but this incident could have been much worse.’

‘I urge everyone to be proactive and responsible, by taking these dangerous items to appropriate recycling locations.

‘We need to work together to responsibly dispose of dangerous waste safely.’

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