One Hurt As Van Carrying Oxygen Cylinders Explodes In Milan

A van carrying oxygen cylinders exploded in Milan on Thursday, destroying around a dozen cars but causing no injuries beyond light burns to the driver, officials said.

Television footage showed flames metres high and black smoke sweeping across the Porta Romana residential neighbourhood south-east of the Italian city's cathedral, Duomo.

According to AFP, Milan mayor Giuseppe Sala was quick to rule out a deliberate attack, telling reporters on the sidelines of an event: "It's a van carrying oxygen cylinders."

Fire service officer Carlo Cardinali confirmed the vehicle had been carrying oxygen, saying the exact cause of the blast was still being investigated.