THE driver of a council road sweeper has been tragically killed following a suspected explosion during rush-hour traffic.

The worker died on Strand Road, Preston, around 9am Thursday morning. The passenger of the 'Scarab' vehicle escaped unhurt.

Town hall chiefs have now moved to withdraw all council-owned road sweepers as Health and Safety officers examine the accident.

Police say no other vehicle was involved in the accident.

Jim Carr, town clerk and chief executive of Preston Borough Council, said: "We are deeply upset by this incident.

"Our driver has tragically died. He worked for the council for just over a year.

"We are very distressed and shocked by what has happened."

The council has been in touch with the families concerned and have offered counselling to the other worker who escaped unhurt.

Jim Carr added: "Whilst this is the only large scarab street cleaning vehicle of its type in use by the council, we have taken all the road sweeping vehicles out of service as a precautionary measure.

"Manual sweeping and much smaller machines are now in operation.

"We are continuing to assist the police and Health and Safety Executive with the investigation in to the incident.

"We have also contacted the vehicle's manufacturers."