Contractor permit removed after canister explosion

A utility contractor has had its permit removed after a gas canister exploded near a bus stop.

Emergency services were called to Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, after a gas canister, which was being used by a team repainting lines on the road, exploded.

Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to Wendover Road, close to the junction with Walton Road, at about 12:40 BST.

Steven Broadbent, Buckinghamshire Council's cabinet member for transport, said due to the "seriousness" of the incident it had been reported to the Health and Safety Executive.

The gas canister explosion set fire to the equipment being used by workmen, but it was quickly brought under control and no injuries have been reported.

Mr Broadbent, a Conservative councillor, said: "We have been notified by Thames Valley Police of an explosion that took place earlier today on Wendover Road in Aylesbury.

"This appears to have been caused by a gas canister being used by a utility contractor catching fire.

"Due to the seriousness of this incident, we have reported it to the Health and Safety Executive for it to investigate.

"We have also revoked the permits of the utility contractor involved in the incident."

A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said the force received a report of a gas canister catching fire, which then caused an explosion.

They added: "Road closures were put in place, but the road has now reopened.

"Fortunately, no-one was injured."

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