A MAN was taken to hospital suffering from flash burns after an explosion in Blackburn town centre sent glass from windows flying into the street.

Two fire crews from Blackburn were sent to the incident at Darwen Street cafe Bar B Base, near the junction with St Peter’s Street.

The incident, on the first floor of the property, is thought to have been caused by the explosion of a gas canister, which smashed eight windows.

The man who was injured in the explosion is said to have suffered from shock and minor burns.

Firefighters said it was a miracle that bystanders were not hurt by the flying glass as the streets were filled with revellers at 8pm on Friday.

Watch manager Damian Hartley said: “When we got there there was a large number of people on street who were watching what was happening.

“At that time on a Friday evening it is just very fortunate that nobody was hurt.

“It seems the blast was caused by the accidental ignition of a small butane gas canister.”