TWO people had a lucky escape when LPG cannisters exploded on board a boat.

The pair suffered only minor burns from the explosion at Sankey Marine marina near Evesham, which happened just before 1.40pm yesterday.

They were treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken to hospital.

Firefighters from Evesham and Pershore discovered the explosion had caused the windows of the boat to blow out as well as a hatch leading to the engine compartment.

It is believed to have been triggered by fuel vapour.

A fire service boat was used to direct passing river traffic a safe distance away from the burning vessel.

A third explosion occurred and the firefighters continued to tackle the flames. The boat was now partially submerged in the water.

Crews continued to monitor the situation but the cooling effect of the water meant that the fourth cylinder did not explode.

Station Commander, Toby Kempton, said: “We quickly established that there were four LPG cylinders on board the boat and that two had already exploded. We were concerned about the other two cylinders so our crews fought the fire using jets from the riverbank.”

He added: “The crews on scene worked extremely hard in challenging conditions.

“They were wearing their full protective clothing as well as breathing apparatus.”