SOUTH AFRICA -   Several buildings were razed down when a truck carrying gas exploded in Worcester in the Western Cape, on Wednesday morning.

Western Cape police chief, Kenny Africa told news media that a biltong shop, Bike Boutique and the Department of Water Works'; building were among the premises destroyed in the blaze.

According to Africa, explosion happened near the Agri petrol station just after 06:00. It was initially thought that it was a petrol tanker that exploded but it has since been confirmed that the truck was carrying gas.

Spokesperson for the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works Ntomboxolo Makoba-Somdaka told News24 five buildings and two vehicles (the tanker and a bakkie) were completely destroyed and another four buildings have been partially destroyed.

“There also appears to be some damage to the town’s water mains and electricity infrastructure in the immediate vicinity,” Makoba-Somdaka said.

“The driver of the tanker reversed into a lamp pole causing damage to the tank, releasing a vapour cloud. A civilian bakkie drove through the cloud causing a fire and the explosion. The driver of the bakkie is currently in ICU with some burn wounds.

“The driver of the bakkie who is critical was saved by a passer-by. While trapped in the bakkie, he was screaming for help and a man who was walking to work managed to get him out of the burning vehicle,”Makoba-Somdaka told News24.

Africa further stated that two firefighters have been injured while trying to curtail the blaze. “No deaths have been reported," Africa said.

Worcester police spokesperson Captain Lindikhaya Mkhontwana said the gas truck caught fire after reportedly hitting the pole near the traffic lights in High Street.

Adding that four buildings were razed down including the offices of Department of Water and Sanitation.